o O 1 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



RECOLLECTIONS 

OF 

MY LIFE AND TIMES 

BY THE 

REV. JAMES MORGAN, D.D. 

% * 

LATE MINISTER OF 

FISHERWICK PLACE CHURCH 
BELFAST 

WITH SELECTIONS FROM HIS JOURNAL 
EDITED BY HIS SON 



BELFAST 
WILLIAM MULLAN 

1874 



3X ^ztlS 



Printed by 
MARCUS WARD AND C0. 9 
Royal Ulster Works, Belfast. 



TO 

^j\t Cnngreptbrt of jfii%ertokk 

BELFAST, 

Qtym JStmoriala 

OF A LIFE SPENT IN THEIR SERVICE 
A EE AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED BY 



CONTENTS. 



Introduction - < - - - - - - ix. 

CHAPTEE I. 
YOUTH. 

Origin of this Autobiography — The Writer's Family— Mother's 
Early Death — Childhood — Cookstown — Teachers — Mr. 
Magouran — Influence of Mr. Millar — Is designed for the 
Ministry — Preparation for College — Journey to Glasgow — 
Deficiency of Education — The Teaching of the Spirit — The 
Midshipman — Exposed to Danger — His Brother John — 
Conversion to God — Brother's Death — -Second Session — 
Belfast Institution — Contemplates the Lord's Supper — Belfast 
Professors — Dr. Hanna — Summer Exercises — Enters the 
Theological Class — Discourses for the Presbytery — Licensed to 
Preach — Leaves Home. - - - - 1 

CHAPTEE II. 

CARLOW. 

Origin of Carlow Congregation — Mr. Thomas Cox — Advice of 
Dr. Bogue — Presbyterianism a new thing — Condition of 
Society — New Friends — The 78th Highlanders — Commence- 
ment of Bible Society in Carlow — Eevival of Eeligion — Godly 
Ministers of the Established Church — Rev. Eobert Shaw, of 
Kilkenny — Origin of Bible Society in Dublin — Mr. Mathias 
— Evil Influences of Mrr Irving — Mr. Irving at Powerscourt 
— Tendency to High Church Views Promoted — An Old 
Eriend — A Good Wife — Leaves Carlow — Prayer Extracted 
from Journal - - - - - -13 

CHAPTEE III. 

MY MINISTRY IN" LISBURN". 
Mrs. Morgan's Family — Mrs. Gayer — John Wesley — A Remark- 
able Dream — How he came to Lisburn — Mr. Thomas 
Ekenhead — Vacancy in Donegall Street Congregation, Belfast 
— Difficulties about the Confession of Faith — The Portly 

Form of Dr. Defeated in Donegall Street — Eev. Mr. 

Craig of Lisburn — Pleasant Intercourse with him — Com- 
mences Visitation — Evening Services — Sabbath-School — The 



vi. 



CONTENTS. 



Congregation Increases greatly— The Butchers— Introduces 
Temperance— The Case of A. M.— The Widow's Family- 
William Cochrane— The First Agent of the Belfast Town 
Mission - - - - - ~ -27 

CHAPTER IY. 
MY MINISTRY IN BELFAST. 
Invitation to Preach in Fisherwick Place — Delicate Health — 
Rev. Henry Cooke — The Town of Belfast — Character of the 
Place — Deadness of the Synod of Ulster — Deficiency of 
Church Accommodation — Fisherwick Place — Want of School- 
houses and Sabbath-Schools— Liberalism — Drinking Habits 
— Desire for Reformation — Origin of Presbyterianism in 
Ulster — Subscription to the Confession Relaxed — Recollec- 
tions of the Synod in Cookstown — No Missions — Rising Dis- 
satisfaction — The Belfast Academical Institution — A Momen- 
tous Struggle — The Triumph of Orthodoxy — Withdrawal of 
the Remonstrants — Dr. Cooke — Dr. Montgomery — Dr. 
Stewart — Synod Adopts the Old Standards - - - 38 

CHAPTER V. 

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

IN IRELAND. 

Fruits of the Separation — Union of Synod with the Secession 
— Its Origin among the Students — Memorable Year 1840 — 
Auspicious Commencement — Rise of Missionary Spirit — 
Arrangements for Receiving Deputies — A Missionary Church 
— Steps taken with this View — The Home Mission — 
Addresses — The Synod on the Home Mission — On the Foreign 
Mission — Selection of a Field for the Foreign Mission — First 
Public Act of the General Assembly — Successful Appeal to 
the Congregations — Dr. Reid — Missions to Jews — Rev. David 
Hamilton — Colonial Missions — Continental Mission — Church 
and Manse Fund — Munificent Support — Dr. Edgar - - 50 

CHAPTER VI. 
BELFAST PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE. 
The Royal Academical Institution — Unsatisfactory Appointment 
— Meeting in Cookstown to Consider the Matter — Speech at 
Cookstown — Project of the Presbyterian College — It is well 
Received — Sir R. Peel Proposes a Queen's College — Negocia- 
tions with Government — Difficulties Arise — Journey to 
London — The College Established — The Professors — Dr. 
Cooke— Dr. W. D. Killen— Dr. Murphy— Dr. Gibson— Dr. 
Porter— Dr. Watts— Dr. Glasgow— Offered the Chair of 
Sacred Rhetoric — Prefers to Live and Die in the Ministry of 
the Word - - - _ - 59 

• 



CONTENTS. 



vii. 



CHAPTER VII. 

CHURCH EXTENSION. 

Necessity for Increase of Churches — Fisherwick Place opens the 
way — May Street — Opened by Dr. Cooke — Good-will between 
the Ministers and Congregations — Origin of Townsend Street 
Congregation — A Liberal Landlord — Rev. Josias Wilson — 
Dr. Weir — Rev. William J ohnston — A Gratifying Explanation 
— Rev. John Brown — A Good Argument for Church Exten- 
sion — Wants of Ballymacarrett — Rev. John Meneely — York 
Street — A Liberal Offer — Success of the Undertaking — Rev. 
David Hamilton — Great George's Street — Remarkable His- 
tory of Mr. Toye— Churches arising out of the Town Mission 66 

CHAPTER VIII. 

FISHERWICK PLACE. 

The Elders — Quarterly Meetings — Meetings for Prayer — Concord 
— The Deacons — Good Financial State of the Congregation 
— Freedom from Debt — Harmony — Prayer when Entering on 
his Ministry at Fisherwick Place — The Sabbath Schools — An 
Experiment in Clothing — Great .Success — Originating other 
Schools — Class for Intending Communicants — The Sabbath 
School a Nursery for the Church— The Members of the Church 
— Frequent observance of the Lord's Supper profitable — Bap- 
tism — Commencement of Public Baptism — Prayer Meetings — ■ 
Family Visitation — The Sick — The Congregation — Concord 
— Liberality - - - - _ , - - -74 

CHAPTER IX. 
MYSELF. 

Publications — Loss of Memory — Practises Reading Discourses 
— Advice of Dr. Wardlaw — Extracts from "Journal" — 
Wednesday Evening Lectures — Prefers Free Speaking — 
Opening of York Street Church — A Delicate Child — Love 
for Horses — Accident at Portrush — Other Dangers — Attacks 
of Sickness — Goes to Harrogate — Habits : Right to Contem- 
plate these — Frugality — " Owe no Man Anything" — House- 
hold Economy — Industry — Diligence at College — In Carlow 
-—In Lisburn — Result, 5,000 Discourses — Family Visitation 
— The Sick — Habit of Breakfasting with the People — Tem- 
perance — His Father's House — Gives up punch — Incident 
in Lisburn — Movement Introduced by Dr. Edgar — Commits 
himself to the Cause — Effects in the Congregation - - 89 

CHAPTER X. 
SOCIAL HABITS. 
Society — John Wesley's Rule — Habit of Giving — " Systematic 
Beneficence " — " Gold and the Gospel " — The Amicable Life 



vm. 



CONTENTS. 



Assurance Society — Unity and Peacefulness — Dr. Doyle — 
The Evangelical Alliance — Good-will towards the Episcopal 
Church — The Wesleyans — "A Soft Answer" — The Lesson 
of Scripture — Active Habits : in Youth : in Ministry — 
Early Preparations for the Pulpit — Dr. Wood, of Xewry — 
Sympathy with the People — Facility in recognising them 
— The Successful Apprentice — In Time of Trouble — Yigilance 
— "The Good Shepherd" — Absentees — The Young — Arch- 
bishop Whateley — Punctuality — Perseverance — Dr. Cooke 
at Donegore — Gentleness - - - - - 107 

CHAPTER XI. 
PREACHING. — FRUITS. 

Selection of Texts — Variety of Subjects — Careful Preparation 
— The Gospel theme, Salvation : Full ; Free ; Personal ; 
Present ; Everlasting — The Platform — Meetings of the Bible 
Society in Carlow — Public Meetings in Belfast — Associated 
with Dr. Cooke and Dr. Edgar — Church Courts — Disinclina- 
tion for these — Dr. Cooke's Remarkable Adaptation — Fruit of 
Ministry — Importance of this Subject — Acceptance with the 
People — Good Impression left in Carlow ; in Lisburn ; in 
Belfast— Instances of Fruit— John Hare— Mrs. T. — " A Mini- 
ster's Recollections " - - - - - 142 

CHAPTER XII. 
NOTABLE INCIDENTS. 
Greyabbey — An Incident in the Separation of the Remonstrants 
— Placed in a False Position — Public Excitement — Cholera 
— Suddenness and Rapidity of the Attack — No hesitation 
in attending Patients — Influence on the Public mind — 
Westport — Accompanies Dr. Horner— Difficulties of ' the 
J ourney — Ordination Service — Return to Dublin — The Anti- 
Slavery Agitation— Attending the Convention in London — 
Dissatisfaction at Home — How it was met — The Revival of 
♦ 1859 : origin of it : its course and result - - - 164 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Family Histories — Conclusion - - - - - 187 



Extracts from a Weekly Journal - - - - 213 

Appendix - - _ _ _ _ 357 



INTRODUCTION. 



JJRMONG Dr. Morgan's papers there was found, after 
J&SL his death, a letter addressed to his son and his two 
sons-in-law, directing their attention to a series of manu- 
script volumes, comprising a weekly Journal, commenced 
in the year 1834, and continued to 1873 ; and particu- 
larly to one of these, entitled, " Recollections of my past 
life, and the times I lived in." In this letter my father 
directs us to consult two of his most trusted friends, Dr. 
William D. Killen and Professor Wallace, as to the use 
which should be made of these documents. Our con- 
sultation resulted in the request that I should undertake 
the editing of the present Memoir. 

In regard to the volume, " Recollections of my past life 
and the times I lived in," it was my duty simply to con- 
sider what were my father's intentions respecting it. Did 
he intend it to be used as the basis of a narrative, or that 
it should be given to the public as it stands ? I am 
satisfied there will be but one opinion on this head — 
that to change or mutilate it in any important particular 
would be to misrepresent him. Convinced that it was 
my father's wish to say these things, to say them himself, 
and in his own way, I have felt constrained to accept as 
my rule, the reproduction of this interesting narrative as 
nearly as possible in his own words. Some changes have 
been rendered necessary by the hastily written and un- 



X, 



INTRODUCTION. 



revised state of the original manuscript, and others of 
greater magnitude have been indicated in the body of 
the work. 

I have selected from the Journal those portions which 
seemed most likely to interest the general reader, and as 
these are given in their chronological order they will be 
found to. furnish a supplemental narrative. 

The same qualities are apparent throughout these 
manuscripts which distinguished the man in all his ways 
— kindliness and simplicity, an all-pervading love for 
Christ, and tender consideration towards his fellow-men. 
His object was not the establishment of a literary reputa- 
tion, but to recall for his own profit, and to relate for the 
instruction of others, these simple recollections of a de- 
voted life. 

In the confidence that it will be accepted by many in 
this light, and with the hope that it may tend to prolong 
the wholesome influence of Dr. Morgan's character and 
ministry, I commit this memoir to the community among 
whom he laboured so long, and the flock he so dearly 
loved. 

T. M. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



CHAPTER I. 

YOUTH. 

Origin of this Autobiography — The Writer's Family — Mother's Early 
Death — Childhood — Cookstown — Teachers — Mr. Magouran — 
Influence of Mr. Millar — Is designed for the Ministry — Prepara- 
tion for College — Journey to Glasgow — Deficiency of Education 
— The Teaching of the Spirit — The Midshipman — Exposed to 
Danger — His Brother John — Conversion to God — Brother's 
Death — Second Session — Belfast Institution — Contemplates the 
Lord's Supper — Belfast Professors — Dr. Hanna — Summer Exer- 
cises — Enters the Theological Class — Discourses for the Presbytery 
— Licensed to Preach — Leaves Home. 

YESTERDAY [May 8, 1867] I came to this beautiful 
place [Buxton], constrained by kind friends at home 
to withdraw for a little season from my accustomed 
labours. Is not this the voice of Jesus, saying to me — 
' 'Come and rest a while" ? I am alone, and desire to spend 
my leisure time with Him. With this view, I do not see 
anything better than to make a beginning of what I have 
often been desirous to do — record some notices of my 
past life, to be hereafter continued as it may please God 
to afford opportunity, and as it may be profitable. 

MY FAMILY. 

I know little of its history, and cannot trace it farther 
back than to my great-grandfather Morgan, on the one 
side, and my grandfather Collins, on the other. The 

B 



2 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



former was an architect, and lived in Dublin, where he 
erected some of its public buildings. His name was a few 
years ago found on the lead of one of the old churches, 
when it was taken down. His son, my grandfather, was in 
business in Dublin, where he realised a considerable for- 
tune. My father was his successor in the business, but did 
not continue long in it. After his marriage with my mother 
he came to reside in Cookstown, her native place, and 
engaged in the linen trade. He was a most amiable, up- 
right, sober, good man, distinguished by a happy temper, 
and was brought up in the Church of England. My 
mother was a very superior woman. She died at the age 
of thirty-seven, when I was not twelve years old. Her 
loss was a great one to my father and his three sons, 
whom she left behind her, a fourth having died in infancy, 
and from whose birth she seems never to have fully re- 
covered. My father never married again. He went 
with my mother to the Presbyterian Church, and lived 
and died in its membership. 

MY INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD. 

I was born in Cookstown, on the 15th of June, 1799, 
and soon afterwards my parents went to reside at Clog- 
hog, in the neighbourhood, where my father took a 
bleach-field, and prosecuted that employment for some 
years. I have yet some vivid recollections of those days. 
My father had a school-house built near to his own house, 
and I attended there. The teacher's name was Arthur 
Devlin, a Eoman Catholic. He was a great favourite 
with me, and I was the same with him. He went to 
America, and I was glad to hear of his son coming to 
Ireland, a few years ago, on a visit, and being a respect- 
able and prosperous man. I have a distinct recollection 
of hearing a conversation in those days between my 



HIS YOUTH. 



3 



mother and my elder brother about the soul. It was the 
first time the idea of the soul as separate and distinct from 
the body was ever presented to my mind. I could not 
understand it ; but it awakened thought and reflection. 
The subject is one that ought to be brought very early 
before children. I have also the remembrance of having 
been brought by my parents to public worship in Cooks- 
town, and my remembrance of the pew and the old 
church is vivid to this hour. 

MY YOUTH. 

From Cloghog we removed into Cookstown, where I 
was sent to the school of Mr. Magouran, a young man 
brought there from Saintfleld, and a Eoman Catholic. 
He was harsh, and I feared him ; yet he was kind, too, 
and he often dined at my father's house, so that I got re- 
conciled to him. He afterwards became a merchant in 
Belfast, and, during my college course there I often 
partook of his hospitality. I remember spending a Sab- 
bath morning with him in the chapel in Donegall Street, 
and was amazed by seeing many of the people go away, 
after Mass was celebrated, without waiting for the sermon 
which followed. He told me such was their custom. We 
continued to be on friendly terms till he died, not many 
years ago. After his removal from Cookstown the school 
fell into the hands of the Eev. Thomas Millar, a Presby- 
terian minister of the Secession Church in that town. 
Under his care I remained till the age of fifteen, and 
received my elementary education. Mr. Millar was 
always partial to me, and I had a great respect and affec- 
tion for him. He was very zealous in the cause of 
missions, and I was led by his example to think most 
favourably of it. Yet I knew nothing of true religion. 
Neither at home nor at the church was it made the one 



4 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



thing needful. It was not then the custom to make it the 
subject of earnest and personal concern. My parents had 
not seen family worship in their fathers' houses, and did 
not practise it in their own. On the Sabbath mornings 
the Scriptures were read, but nothing more, so that I grew 
up entirely unimpressed, and knew nothing of vital 
godliness. 

I was diligent at school, and attentive and thought- 
ful about domestic affairs, but nothing more. My 
friends were pleased with my conduct, and in a con- 
versation, at which I was present, between my parents 
and Mr. Millar, he suggested to them the propriety 
of educating me for the ministry. But our thoughts 
were different. My mother's brother was a solicitor, 
and it was assumed I was to be bound apprentice 
to him. After my mother's death my father received 
an injury, by lime being blown into his eyes, when he 
was overlooking workmen. He could not read for a long 
time, and I was glad to read for him. My father's sister 
was then much with him, and was pleased with my read- 
ing. She urged my father to make me a minister, and 
not a solicitor. It was this that turned my attention to 
the subject. Mr. Millar encouraged it, and put me to 
Latin and Greek. I pursued my studies laboriously — 
rising early, and giving myself to the work, and in 
two years was said to be ready for college. I passed the 
examination of the Presbytery, and got ready to take this 
solemn step, although unconverted and unimpressed. No 
one spoke to me on the subject. It was entirely a matter of 
business, and earthly ; yet, strange to say, all friends 
seemed to think the right profession had been chosen 
for me. 



GLASGOW COLLEGE. 



5 



MY COLLEGE LIFE. 

In my fifteenth year I went to the Glasgow University. 
We left my father's house in Cookstown, and rode on 
horseback that day to Belfast, about thirty English miles. 
The next day we proceeded by mail-coach to Donaghadee, 
and were so fortunate as to sail on the day following for 
Portpatrick, which was reached in the evening. Next 
morning, while yet dark, we started by coach, and arrived 
at Ayr late at night. After sleeping there we went by 
coach to Glasgow, where we ended our journey on the 
fifth day in safety, through a gracious Providence. The 
expense must have been about £5. What a change in 
travelling since that day ! I entered college immediately, 
and had a good place in the examination. I took out 
tickets for the Greek, Logic, and Mathematical Classes, 
then taught by Professors Young, Jardine, and Millar ; 
but I soon found myself unprepared to profit by them, 
being quite beneath the standard of Mr. Young's teach- 
ing, having no conception of the business of the Logic 
Class, and knowing nothing of mathematics. The student 
who is to benefit by these classes must be ripe for them. 
The home school should make him familiar with Greek 
and Latin, proficient in English composition, and ac- 
quainted with the elements of mathematics. The session, 
to a large extent, was wasted ; I did not know how to do 
the business of it, and had no one to teach me. Mr. 
Millar's class was useless, but those of Professors Young 
and Jardine were admirably conducted. This defect in 
my elementary education has been a great loss to me, 
which it has been impossible to overtake. It is to be 
feared many are, to this hour, similarly situated. I ought 
to have been two years longer at a good school before 
being sent to college. Until a thorough change takes 



6 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



place in the elementary home education of our students, 
we cannot have a ministry equal to the wants of the 
times. 

But there was a higher education in which I was more 
defective still, and which the Spirit of God alone can im- 
part. Blessed be God, the time soon came when it was 
given to me. I returned to my father's house at the close 
of the session, and had no idea how the summer months 
should be profitably spent. I got hold, however, of 
" Blair's Lectures on Bhetoric and Belles Lettres," and 
read it through — the first book I had ever so read. It 
profited me exceedingly in the knowledge of English com- 
position. I owe to it a debt of gratitude, which can never 
be discharged. If I have ever written anything correctly, 
it has proceeded from that valuable work. To this day I 
prefer it to all others on the same subject, even to that of 
Campbell, and am glad to see it sold for three or four 
shillings, while the copy which I used was in three 
volumes, and cost thirty shilliDgs. But God granted me 
greater things than these. 

I was very careless, and knew nothing about true reli- 
gion, and at the same time was exposed to fearful tempta- 
tion. A cousin of mine, a midshipman, came home from 
the navy. He was older than I, and very wild in his 
habits : he drank freely, and indulged himself in all 
impurity. We became very intimate. He urged me to 
give up the prospect of the ministry, and go to sea, and 
prevailed so far that I spoke to my father on the subject. 
He tried to bring me into his own habits, and I stand 
amazed that I did not yield. My father, who had left 
me to myself, and never supposed I was in any danger, 
refused to allow me to go to sea, or abandon the ministry 
I had in view, but he treated me so kindly as to lay no 
restraint on me ; it was from another quarter the needed 



HIS BROTHER JOHN. 



7 



help came. My brother John, who was a year and a half 
older than myself, had been brought, I know not how, 
under deep religious convictions. His soul was exceed- 
ingly troubled by a sense of sin ; his health was bad, and 
his spirit was sore vexed. He spoke with me about salva- 
tion, but I did not understand him, and thought he was 
becoming deranged. He had no friend to whom he could 
unbosom himself. Long time, therefore, he remained in 
darkness and distress. But the day of deliverance came. 
God the Spirit who showed him his sins revealed the 
Saviour also, and he became a holy, happy Christian. 
When his own peace was established, he burned with zeal 
and anxiety for my salvation. I loved him exceedingly, 
and soon became awakened, enlightened, and quickened. 
I had no bitter or deep exercises, but was at once con- 
strained by the love of Jesus. I loved my brother, and 
my brother's Saviour, and that gracious Saviour gave me 
to him, and to his prayers on my behalf. Then first I 
knew the Lord, and from that He has kept me to this 
hour. My brother's zeal and love grew amazingly, so that 
he longed to give up business and prepare for the ministry. 
We used to sit late at night while I taught him the Greek 
and Latin classics. We kept family worship together, and 
he persevered with his studies until he was able to enter 
Glasgow College. 

He spent one session there, and a second in Edinburgh. 
During the latter of these his health failed him. He came 
home, and languished for more than a year. Then he died, 
leaving a blank in my heart which has never been filled. 
Oh, the prospect of meeting this brother in glory ! Our 
love was mutual on earth, and it will be consummated in 
heaven. 

The spiritual change which it pleased God in His 
sovereign grace to cause to take place in me occurred in 



8 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



the Summer of 1815, and my brother died on the 18th of 
May, 1820, so that we were blessed together for nearly 
five years after we both knew the Lord. Our only separa- 
tion was when we were at college. I went for my second 
session, not to Glasgow, but to the Belfast Institution, 
which then first was opened for students in prospect of 
the ministry, and my brother remained at home, advancing 
his own education as best he could. When I returned at 
the end of the session I became his daily teacher, until I 
returned to Belfast, and he went to Edinburgh. Thence 
he came home, completely broken down in health. He 
lived a year, and I was his constant companion. To me 
it was a time of great sorrow, to him of tranquil peace 
and unclouded hope of heaven. He had seasons of the 
highest spiritual joy. We had a younger brother, and 
our hearts were set on seeing him converted to the Lord. 
God granted this desire, and after I was called to be the 
minister of Carlow, I received a letter from my brother 
conveying this joyful intelligence. This was his last letter 
to me, and in a few weeks after he died in peace — one of 
the most perfect examples of " pure and undefiled re- 
ligion" it has ever been my privilege to meet with. It 
will naturally be expected that, as my brother was the 
means of my conversion, so my intercourse with him was 
the means of my edification. Blessed be God, so it proved. 

But there were other helps which God was pleased to 
give me at that eventful crisis of my history. I refer 
especially to the Summer of 1815. After I knew the 
Lord, my attention was drawn to the Lord's Supper, about 
to be administered in my native congregation. I read 
and thought deeply on the subject. " Willison's Sacra- 
mental Catechism" and " Directory," the latter especially, 
were my principal study. My obligations to the " Direc- 
tory" can never be repaid. It instructed me greatly, and 



ATTENDS THE BELFAST INSTITUTION. 



9 



its name is delightful to me to this hour. It fed, and 
nourished, and comforted me, and its influence is not 
yet spent, for the name of Willison is embalmed in my 
memory. Besides this book, my brother and I had a very 
dear friend, like-minded with us. His name was George 
Eodgers, and he was older than we. He was much with 
us, and we delighted in his company and conversation. 
He was strong in the good old theology, and our views 
were entirely in harmony. Long an Elder in the Pres- 
byterian Church, he died an honoured servant of the Lord 
many years ago, and is among my tenderest recollections. 
But I must return to my college life. 

When I went to the Institution in Belfast it was with 
very different views from those with which I had gone to 
Glasgow the previous year. I entered the moral philo- 
sophy class under Dr. Young, the mathematical under 
Dr. Thomson, and attended Mr. Sheridan Knowles' private 
class for elocution. These were all able men, and most 
effective teachers. The moral philosophy class was my 
favourite. I admired and loved the professor. He first 
taught me to think, and to express my thoughts. I was 
very diligent in my studies, and successful in the place I 
gained with my professor and my fellow-students. I did 
something in mathematics, but had not recovered the 
unhappy commencement of that study at Glasgow. My 
professor complained that I gave my attention so exclu- 
sively to another class, yet I got the prize at the public 
examination when the session ended. Mr. Knowles treated 
me as a friend more than as a pupil. He was then a 
thoughtless man, and a frequenter of the stage ; but in 
later years he became godly, and often preached the Gospel, 
though never ordained. He was the only man I ever knew 
who could teach elocution, with the exception of Sparling, 
whom I attended after becoming a minister in Belfast. 



10 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



This session, the first in the old Eoyal Belfast Aca- 
demical Institution, was very profitable to me, and it was 
so not only in my mental education, but also in my reli- 
gious advantages. I attended the ministry of Dr. Hanna, 
and was delighted and edified by his preaching. After 
spending the summer with my father and two brothers in 
Cookstown, I returned to Belfast for the next winter, and 
attended the natural philosophy class under Dr. Knight. 
I gave attention again to elocution also ; but my mind 
was mainly occupied with good theological reading. Dur- 
ing the summer at home I had read Bidgeley's ponderous 
" Body of Divinity," and got familiar with the great out- 
lines of evangelical truth, especially that which related to 
the Socinian controversy. It was customary among the 
students to debate over the whole circle of religious 
doctrine. But I was more and more established in 
the old paths, having happily been first taught experi- 
mentally, and not by speculation or mere reasoning. 
My religion began in the heart, and, thank God, it 
has never been thence displaced. To disprove the 
Deity of Christ, or justification by faith, or regeneration 
by the Spirit, or any of the great truths of evangelical 
religion, seemed to be as hopeless as the attempt to prove 
that we might live without necessary food. I had eaten 
of the Bread of Life and drunk of the Water of Life, and 
no argument could stand against that experience. I had 
found the Gospel of Christ to be the power of God unto 
salvation, and that sufficed for me. 

It was in this spirit I entered the theological class, 
and passed through its two sessions under Dr. Hanna — • 
dear, good man : I love his name and revere his memory. 
He took us through a sound and complete course of di- 
vinity, much on the plan of Hill's admirable volumes. 
There was no brilliancy in his teaching, but great good 



GOES TO CAELOW. 



11 



sense and soundness ; besides, a tone of deep piety per- 
vaded his whole deportment. During his first session he 
had eight students, of whom 1 was one. We spent every 
Sabbath evening in his family reading together. I left 
him with the utmost respect and gratitude, and went 
home to my dear, dying brother, and my education was 
there carried on in another way, not less effectual and 
profitable. I spent a year in attending on him, and pre- 
paring my trial discourses for the Presbytery. In 1820 
I was licensed to preach. My first sermon was delivered 
in Stewartstown, on the 6th of February; my second 
in Cookstown the next Sabbath ; my third in Money- 
more ; and then I was sent to Carlow at the request of 
Dr. Horner, of Dublin — recommended to him by Dr. 
Hanna. I preached there four Sabbaths, and returned 
and found my beloved John still alive. Immediately 
after a call from Carlow was forwarded to me and ac- 
cepted. With a heavy heart I took leave of my father 
and two brothers. Within a month intelligence arrived 
of my brother's death. He was gone to glory, and I to a 
new and untried sphere of labour. My heart was burst- 
ing with grief, and thus commenced 

MY MINISTRY IN CAELOW. 



EXTRACT FEOM JOUKNAL. 

March 10th, 1832. — A friend has kindly presented 
me with a copy of " Turner's Sacred History," and in 
reading it I have felt greatly my own ignorance of scien- 
tific subjects. How many branches of learning there are 
of which I know almost nothing ! A young man ought 
to be generally educated in all the sciences before he 



12 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



enters on the labours of his immediate profession. I know 
nothing of botany, almost nothing of natural history, and 
regret this greatly, for the works of God are full of wonders. 
David says devoutly — " Sought out they are of all them 
that take pleasure in them." What a world of wonders 
is this ! And oh ! what is He who made them and all 
things ! Lord, I praise Thee that we have not been left 
ignorant of Thy Word and of Thyself ; but I desire to 
know more of Thy works — of all Thy works. Yet to this 
there is no royal road, and my time is now so occupied 
with my ministry that there is no likelihood of gaining 
the knowledge of those subjects that have hitherto been 
neglected. Alas ! how sadly is education perverted. Had 
mine been rightly employed, how much more might I 
have known ! Time has been wasted in learning many 
things at college, which were of no use, that might have 
been spent in acquiring useful knowledge. That educa- 
tion is the best which occupies the mind with facts, and 
not with fancies* 



ORIGIN OF CARLOW CONGREGATION. 



13 



CHAP TEE II. 

CARLOW. 

Origin of Carlow Congregation — Mr. Thomas Cox — Advice of Dr. 
Bogue — Presbyterianism a new thing — Condition of Society — 
New Friends — The 78th Highlanders — Commencement of Bible 
Society in Carlow — Kevival of Religion — Godly Ministers of the 
Established Church — Rev. Eobert Shaw, of Kilkenny — Origin of 
Bible Society in Dublin — Mr. Mathias — Evil Influences of Mr. 
Irving — Mr. Irving at Powerscourt — Tendency to High Church 
Views Promoted — An Old Eriend — A Good Wife — Leaves Car- 
low — Prayer Extracted from Journal. 

PRESBYTERIAN congregation was established in 
Carlow, so far as I could learn, about the time of 
Cromwell, but it had long ceased to exist. I have seen 
the relics of the old church there in Tullow Street, but no 
one living has any remembrance of it as a place of wor- 
ship, and in my day the property had passed into the 
hands of the lord of the manor, Mr. Benedict Hamilton. 
The present congregation owes its origin to an English 
merchant who settled there in the provision trade, Mr. 
Thomas Cox. He was an Independent, and had been 
brought up under the ministry of Dr. Bogue, of Gosport, 
one of the founders of the London Missionary Society, 
author of a book on the Millenium, and tutor of the 
Mission College for the London Society. Mr. Cox found 
himself and his family destitute of an evangelical ministry, 
and was much concerned on the subject. He wrote to his 
former minister, Dr. Bogue, for his counsel. Dr. Bogue 




14 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



was a Scotchman, educated for the ministry of the Presby- 
terian Church, and had a presentation to the West Church 
of Edinburgh, but declined to accept it on the ground of 
patronage. He went to England and became pastor of 
an Independent Church at Gosport. He advised Mr. Cox 
to apply to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as its 
ministers had an endowment from the Government, while 
yet their congregations were free from the evil of patron- 
age, and the cause was too weak in Carlow to support an 
Independent minister. 

Dr. Horner, of Dublin, had at that time become well 
known by his zeal for the revival of Presbyterianism in 
the South and West of Ireland, and Mr. Cox applied to 
him. Every encouragement was given to the applica- 
tion — Dr. Horner, Mr. Carlisle, Mr. Cooke, and others 
preached there. A few persons attended their ministra- 
tions, and a congregation was erected by the Presbytery 
of Dublin, but it was very small and weak. There were 
two Presbyterian families in the town, two more at Mil- 
fort, distant four miles from it, and two Scotch families — 
the one of a gardener, and the other of a farmer, in the 
neighbourhood. Besides these, there were a few serious 
people, anxiously desiring a faithful ministry, connected 
with the Church of England, but dissatisfied, and pre- 
ferring the Gospel of Christ to any Church organisation. 
These parties united, and built a small but good church. 
It was there my ministry began. Some of my friends 
wondered I went to it, and wise men counted me foolish 
for accepting the call. But I never hesitated to do so. 
I assumed that it was of the Lord, and felt confident that 
He would open up my way. And so I went, sorrowfully 
leaving the North, but willing to try what could be done 
for the glory of Christ in the South. 

It was a trying position, but a good one for me. All 



STATE OF RELIGION IN CAKLOW. 



15 



there was new to me, and Presbyterianism was as new in 
that locality. No stability could be reckoned upon, except 
in a very few persons. I have sometimes been doubtful 
whether I should have any one to hear me. I have stood 
at the door of a session -room that led into the church, 
when the hour of service had arrived, and not one person 
had appeared in a pew. As soon as any entered, I went 
to the pulpit, and was never once without some to hear 
the Word. Gradually, but very slowly, the numbers in- 
creased, until they became fifty, and seventy, and betimes 
a hundred and fifty. When I left, at the end of four 
years, there were about forty communicants. 

During all that time I had great comfort in the little 
flock. They were most kind. 1 had two elders, Messrs. 
Cox and Montgomery, who would do anything to gratify 
me. I hardly ever dined in my own lodgings, receiving 
a cordial welcome in many families beyond those of my 
own congregation. I had a meeting of children once a 
week in the session-room, and some unconnected with 
us sent their young people to it. This enlarged my sphere 
of acquaintance and usefulness. Some of my attached 
and honoured friends yet living were in that class, and its 
exercises have never been forgotten. Meantime there was 
great necessity in Carlow for evangelistic labours, society, 
ecclesiastical and civil, being in a sad condition. The old 
rector had the reputation of being famous in his day as a 
player of billiards. His curate was a worthy man, but 
engrossed with a school which he taught for a support. 
In these circumstances I was led, in various ways, to 
extend my sympathy and labours to the community. A 
considerable portion of time was devoted to an organi- 
sation in the town on behalf of the poor, where the princi- 
pal gentlemen and ladies of the place were accustomed 
to meet. Among them I have distinct remembrance of 



16 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



Colonel Bruen and his amiable wife, Colonel and Mrs. 
Eochfort, Dr. Doyle, the famous Koman Catholic Bishop, 
and many ministers of the Church of England. With 
these, and others such as they, I came to be on terms of 
familiarity and friendship. 

In another direction, also, happy and profitable em- 
ployment was afforded. I went to the barracks, and 
found there a portion of the 78th Eegiment of Scotch 
Highlanders, under the command of Major Macgregor, 
uncle of the well-known colonel of the same name, whose 
history of the burning of the Kent East-Indiaman, and 
his presidency of the Irish Constabulary, have given him 
a large place in the public mind. The major was a man 
of sincere and active piety ; he invited me often to his 
rooms in the barracks. My acquaintance with the officers 
and men became intimate ; discipline was sometimes left 
to my decision ; a religious awakening began among 
them ; they held prayer-meetings in one another's rooms ; 
they contributed to missions ; they saved their money, 
and brought it to me to buy books for them, such as 
"Burder's Village Sermons." There were some cases of de- 
cided conversion ; several of the officers and men attended 
at the Lord's table. When they were moved to Kilkenny, 
these came thence, a distance of eighteen Irish miles, to 
partake of the Supper. The Eev. Peter Eoe, whose 
ministry they attended there, as there was no Presbyterian 
congregation, told me that my men were apostles in the 
regiment ; and, in subsequent years, when enquiring 
after them, I learned they had all been promoted for good 
conduct. The remembrance of these days is blessed and 
sweet to this hour. 

At the same time there was another field of labour 
opened to me. I wanted a Bible, and went to a respect- 
able bookseller's shop to buy it. He told me he had none 



THE BIBLE SOCIETY. 



17 



to sell. I inquired farther, but in vain. No bookshop 
in a town of 10,000 inhabitants, in the year 1820, had a 
Bible for sale. I spoke of it to the curate, and he said 
he could furnish me with one from the Propagation 
Society, and I bought it. I then wrote to the Bible 
Society in Dublin, and invited them to come and form 
an auxiliary in Carlow. They replied it was vain to try, 
as they had done so twice and failed. I wrote again, 
promising that if they made another attempt I would do 
all I could to further it. They consented to do so. I 
made a strong effort to get fitting men to come and speak 
at the meeting, and God prospered it. There came the 
Eev. Mr. Mathias, from Dublin ; the Eev. P. Boe and 
the Bev. B. Shaw, from Kilkenny ; the Hon. and Bev. 
Edward Wingfield, and his curate, the Bev. John Hare. 
They spoke, and I made my first Bible Society speech. 
The meeting was held in the Court-house, and was a 
great success. The speakers amazed their audience, who 
had never been at a meeting of the kind before. A most 
happy impression was made, and proved to be the begin- 
ning of great good. The curate, Mr. Jameson, got ac- 
quainted with the godly ministers who attended, and 
some of them came afterwards and preached for him. 
He became a changed man. The Bible Society sent their 
agent to Carlow, Mr. Crawford, and he and I went round 
all the respectable families in the town and county, and 
got the ladies to become collectors and visitors. The 
Bev. Mr. Hare (now minister of the Free Episcopal 
Church in Dublin) and I went 'out to the principal towns 
in the county and formed auxiliaries in them. These 
became centres of usefulness. In Carlow and other towns 
these labours resulted in the extensive revival of religion. 
God blessed the circulation of His Word. As for myself, 
I had a rich reward in the acquaintance I obtained with 
c 



18 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DK. MORGAN. 



many enlightened and godly ministers of the Church of 
England. They were most affectionate and friendly 
towards me. Some of them came monthly to my lodg- 
ings to read the Scriptures and pray, and confer on the 
common aim of the Christian ministry. We had seasons 
of refreshing from the presence of the Lord never to be 
forgotten by me. 

On one of these occasions I heard a narrative from 
the Kev. Eobert Shaw, of Kilkenny, which never left my 
memory, and which I shall here record. He was magis- 
trate as well as a minister, as was not unusual in his day. 
In the Eebellion of 1798 he was called to put forth all his 
energy and influence to aid in its suppression. He threw 
himself into this work with characteristic zeal, so that his 
health suffered greatly. For some time after the rebel- 
lion he was in a very enfeebled state of body, and his 
medical advisers and friends urged him to go from home, 
and travel for a season. He bethought himself how he 
could best follow their counsel, and yet turn his journey- 
ing to some spiritual good for himself and others. It 
occurred to him that it would be a good thing to go out 
and collect all the Bibles he could beg for distribution 
among his countrymen, as this Book was the only sure 
remedy for their sins and sorrows. With this view he 
provided a horse and dog-cart, proceeded with them and 
crossed to England, where he went from place to place 
and begged for Bibles, until he filled his cart with them, 
and then returned to Ireland. These Books he carried 
from town to town in the South of Ireland, and as only 
Protestants were employed in those days to be keepers of 
the Post-offices, he went to them and placed a dozen or 
two of his Bibles in each, and put up a written notice on 
the window that they were there on sale at cheap prices. 
Having thus disposed of his stock, he went back to Eng- 



BIBLE SOCIETY COMMENCED IN IRELAND. 19 



land and renewed his suit for more Bibles. In this work 
he continued for some time, finding it serviceable to his 
own health, and satisfied he was benefiting the country. 
In one of these journeys he had gone as far as London, 
and, walking along the streets, he noticed a placard on 
the walls that attracted his attention. It was an invita- 
tion to the friends of the Bible to attend a meeting about 
to be held for the purpose of considering the propriety of 
forming a society for the circulation of the Scriptures at 
home and abroad. He took a note of the time and place, 
and attended the meeting. It proved to be an assembly 
of the founders of the British and Foreign Bible Society. 
After listening to the conference of men such as Rowland 
Hill, Dr. Waugh, Dr. Bogue, Mr. Thornton, and others 
like minded, he told them of the labours in which he had 
himself been engaged on behalf of Ireland. They took 
him into their counsels and hearts, advised him to return 
to Dublin, and get an auxiliary there to the society which 
they had resolved to form. He took their advice, and 
proceeded at once. 

In Dublin he called on Mr. Mathias, the eloquent and 
excellent minister of Bethesda. That good man's soul 
was fired with enthusiasm by Mr. Shaw's intelligence. 
They resolved to act after the example of the friends in 
London, and immediately had the walls of Dublin pla- 
carded with the notice of a meeting, to be held in 
Bethesda Chapel, for the purpose of forming an auxiliary 
to the British and Foreign Bible Society. A whole pew, 
said Mr. Shaw, was filled, and so we began, went on, and 
prospered. This was in the year 1804, so that the efforts 
for the circulation of the Bible commenced almost simul- 
taneously in England and Ireland. The Lord's time was 
come, and He put it into the hearts of His people, and 
opened their way. This narrative was given to me in 



20 



LIFE AND TIMES OP DR. MORGAN. 



my lodgings in Carlow, and Mr. Shaw then went on to 
tell me of the revival of religion which he had lived to 
see in the Church of England. When he settled in Kil- 
kenny, he told me, he did not know a brother minister 
whom he could invite to join with him in prayer. After- 
wards one appeared, and then another, and so the work 
proceeded until clerical meetings for the reading of the 
Scriptures and prayer, and godly conference, pervaded all 
parts of the Church and country. 

Thereafter I invited Mr. Shaw and others to come to 
my lodgings and hold such a meeting monthly. They 
came, and happy meetings we had together. I was the 
only Presbyterian there, but I enjoyed the fellowship and 
friendship of my brethren. This happy communion con- 
tinued during the whole time of my residence in the 
South. There came to Carlow on my invitation to attend 
these conferences, or the meetings of our Bible Society, 
such men as Dr. Singer, the late Bishop of Meath ; Dr. 
Daly, the present Bishop of Waterford and Cashel ; the 
Hon. and Bev. Edward Wingfield, the Kector of Myshall, 
in the County Carlow, and of the Parish of St. James, in 
Dublin ; and Mr. John Hare, his curate. 

The spirit which then prevailed in the evangelical 
ministers of the Church of England, and which grew for 
ten years afterwards, was the most catholic, and brotherly, 
and pleasant, and profitable. The same lives in many of 
them to the present day, but I fear it is not now so 
general or genuine as it was then. I have lived to see 
and lament the change. How came it ? I think I have 
seen its history — at least in one of the streams by which 
it has flowed in upon us. I am grieved to think a Pres- 
byterian minister was, unintentionally I believe, one of 
its sources. Mr. Irving was, at the time of which I 
write, producing a great and good impression in London. 



IEVING AT POWERSCOUKT. 



21 



He was delivering mighty and majestic discourses on the 
great doctrines and duties of the G-ospel ; but, whether 
intoxicated by popularity, or only following his erratic 
though noble genius, he began to drift away from the 
full channel of truth, and got in among many dangerous 
shoals and breakers. In his zeal to propagate his new 
discoveries he went to Edinburgh at the time of the sit- 
ting of the General Assembly, and preached daily to all 
who would hearken to him. He came to Belfast, and 
delivered several discourses there. He went to Dublin, 
and thence to Powerscourt, where he became the guest of 
the sainted lady who bore that honoured name. There 
many of the neighbouring ministers were invited to meet 
him. They drunk in his views of prophecy. He wrote 
saying that, while none hearkened to him in Edinburgh 
or Belfast, at Powerscourt he was blessed to see the 
ministers of the Church of England sitting at his feet. 
This appears to have been true as regarded the younger 
class of them, but not those who had the experience of 
years. Instead of conferences, as formerly, on personal 
religion, and practical godliness in themselves and their 
congregations, the young ministers now devoted them- 
selves to the study of prophecy. They generally adopted 
Mr. Irving's views ; they were thus prepared to go farther 
with him. His denunciations of Dissent and applauding 
of Established Churches had naturally strong attractions 
for them. When he was gone they got his books and 
read them. They found his views of Baptism and the 
Lord's Supper kindred to their own. He went much 
farther than many of them did or yet do. In his books, 
recently published by his nephew, his doctrine of Baptism 
makes its observance to be essentially regeneration. True, 
he says and unsays this. He sometimes gives forth the 
truth, and next error; but the effect of his teaching is 



22 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



most hurtful. It has proved to be so to many. His 
influence has proved to be the occasion of the High 
Church views of many ministers in the Church of Eng- 
land. I have seen its beginning, and progress, and issue, 
and bitterly lament it. Oh, for the sweet spirit of former 
times ! Many have it still. Strange ! that one cause of 
the sad deterioration should be found in a minister of the 
Presbyterian Church. 

This was after the time of my ministry in Carlow. 
As long as I lived there all my ministerial brethren were 
delightful friends and companions. When the old rector 
died he was succeeded by Mr. Vernon, nephew of Sir 
Charles Vernon. We became intimate friends. He re- 
mained there only a few years, and gave the parish to his 
curate, who had been there when I went to it. I had 
not seen him for many years — about forty ; yet recently, 
when I was in Harrogate, I walked past an old man, 
whom I did not recognise. Instantly he came quickly 
up to me, and, grasping me by the hand, he asked, " Is 
your name Morgan?" When I said "Yes," but that I 
did not remember him, he replied, " Vernon." All the 
past burst upon me, and I was much moved. Most 
tenderly he added — " James, I could not let you pass 
by without arresting you." He was a specimen of my 
friends in the ministry of the Established Church. I 
have met with others, as I did with him, at periods more 
or less remote in different places. One of them in Lon- 
don left his own service to come and hear me preach, 
and waited to see me, showing me a small Testament 
which I had given to him forty years ago. Several of 
them attributed their conversion to my intercourse with 
them in Carlow, which the Lord had blessed. 

But I received another blessing in Carlow, which the 
Lord has continued with me through all changes, and 



PEAYEE ON HIS MAEEIAGE. 



23 



trials, and mercies. There I first met my beloved wife. 
On this subject I will only say, "A good wife is from the 
Lord." Were I now young again, and were I to marry, 
and had my choice of all the women in the world, and 
did I know my dear Charlotte as I do know her now, by 
a married life of forty-four years [now, in 1873, fifty 
years], I would choose her. With a prospect of all my 
life with her — supposing it to be known then as it is now 
— I would take her, and her only, to my bosom. We 
were married three years after my settlement in Carlow, 
and a little daughter was born to us there, who died a 
few days after her birth. She is buried in the little green 
behind the Presbyterian Church. Shortly after this birth 
and death I left Carlow, having spent four happy years 
in it, and returned to the North, from which I had re- 
ceived a call to Lisburn. 

EXTEACT FEOM JOTJEKAL. 

February 28th. — This is the anniversary of my marriage. On 
this day, eleven years ago, I was happily united with my beloved 
partner. On that occasion I wrote the following prayer, which 
I find preserved among my papers, and which I record here to 
the praise of God, who, I believe, then heard me, and has con- 
tinued richly to answer me : — " God, Thou whose providence 
ruleth over all, I approach Thee in the name of Thy well-beloved 
Son, to bless and thank and pray. I bless Thee for that reve- 
lation in which I learn what Thou wouldst have me to do, and 
that on the subject of marriage its testimony is explicit ; for 
Thou didst make woman to be a help-meet for man, and from 
the comforts and blessings of her society Thou hast not excluded 
any. Thou hast commanded us to marry only in the Lord. I 
therefore thank Thee, Thou Dispenser of all events, that Thou 
hast given me, in the person of my dear Charlotte, Thine own 
daughter, Thy daughter by the grace of the new birth, that 
has introduced her to the glorious liberty of a child of God. I 
believe, Father, it is Thy will that I should take to myself a 



24 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



wife, that I should do so at this time, and that Charlotte Gayer 
is the person to whom Thou hast directed me. Thus would I 
bless and thank Thee. And now I raise my heart to pray for 
Thy blessing. We are both unworthy of it, for we are unprofit- 
able servants, having nothing to plead but the merits of another, 
even of Jesus Thy Son, our Saviour: but His we plead with 
confidence. For we reason with the apostle — ' He that spared 
not His own Son, but freely gave Him up to death for us all, 
how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things.' This 
is our confidence. For His sake — for Thy glory — for our salva- 
tion — Lord hear my prayer ! 

" Bless my marriage to my own soul ! May it be the means 
of making me more spiritual-minded, of causing me to live 
nearer to Thee, of suppressing evil passions, and of exciting 
those which are good, of withdrawing my thoughts more from 
this world, and strengthening me to observe greater consistency 
of conduct ! 

" Bless it to the soul of my beloved partner ! May it be to 
her the means of a still clearer knowledge of Thyself, of exertions 
in Thy cause still better directed, and of bringing before her 
many opportunities of doing good, which Thou wilt strengthen 
her to embrace I 

" Bless it to us both as one in the flesh, to the exercise of 
all Christian graces, more especially of forbearance, gentleness, 
kindness, good- will, and that charity which ■ suffereth long and 
is kind, is not easily provoked, beareth all things, believeth all 
things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.' 

" For temporal blessings, God, our dependence is on Thee, 
Thy promise is our confidence — ' Bread shall be given, and water 
shall be sure ; ; ' If God so clothe the lily of the field, shall He 
not much more clothe' us, his children in Christ. We ask 
neither poverty nor riches, but do Thou feed us with food con- 
venient for us. And may that word be engraven on our hearts, 
' godliness with contentment is great gain,' and ' having food and 
raiment, let us therewith be content.' Dispose us, O God, to be 
liberal out of such abundance as Thou mayest give ! — liberal 
towards every institution whose object is the glory of God and 
the good of man, and to the poor, the destitute, and the afflicted. 



PRAYER ON HIS MARRIAGE. 



25 



To put it in our power to be so, teach us to be frugal, sober, 
honest, and industrious, that we may have to give him that 
needeth, and that we may never be tempted to close the door 
against the houseless stranger ! 

" For spiritual blessings our trust is in that promise — c I will 
never leave thee nor forsake thee.' Father ! never deprive us 
of Thy Holy Word ; continue to us an ability and disposition to 
read it. Order our lot among Thine own people ; and may the 
day never come when we shall be forbidden to meet with them 
for the public worship of Thy name ! May our house be the 
altar and abode of prayer, and under its roof may none dwell 
who will withhold from Thee the sacrifice of prayer and praise ! 
Make us a blessing to servants ! May we be made instrumental 
in bringing some to Thee ! And if ever we are entrusted with 
the care of children, most merciful Father, honour us to be 
the means of filling them with love for Thee ! 

"Bless our marriage to the society in which we shall be 
placed. May we be enabled to set an example of all that is 
amiable and praiseworthy in the domestic circle ! May we 
never lend ourselves to the encouragement of what is sinful in 
the world's society ! On the contrary, may we reprove it, and 
be strengthened to introduce a system of intercourse which will 
prove a blessing to our own souls and to those of the people 
with whom we may associate ! Lord, direct us in this particular, 
that we may not, on the one hand, put from us opportunities 
of doing good, nor, on the other, hold greater intercourse with 
the people of the world than is consistent with a life of faith and 
godliness ! 

" Bless our marriage to the best interests of the people over 
whom Thou hast placed me. May it be the means of making 
me better acquainted with their wants, more anxious to use 
every scriptural method of supplying them, and more attentive 
to my public and private duties among them ! May they have 
reason to bless Thee for our union ! 

" Bless it to the town and neighbourhood in which we live. 
Grant that no occasion may be given to the adversary to blas- 
pheme. But may we be enabled to let our light so shine before 
men that they may see our good works and glorify Thee ! 



26 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



" Finally, God, bless our marriage to the interests of Zion. 
May it be to her the addition of one praying family ! and may 
her welfare ever find a place in our hearts ! May the words of 
the prophet be put into our mouth, and our conduct correspond 
with them — ' For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace, and for 
Jerusalem's sake I will not rest until the righteousness thereof 
go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that 
burneth.' 

"These, Father! are my prayers. "What I have asked 
amiss do Thou not grant. What I have neglected to ask do 
Thou bestow. To duties corresponding to my supplications I 
freely engage myself. But I can do nothing of myself without 
the aid of the blessed Spirit. Do Thou bestow Him upon me. 
Jesus purchased this gift for us, and therefore do I approach 
Thee with confidence to obtain such help in every time of need. 
Lord, send forth Thy light and Thy truth ; let them be guides 
to us. May the Spirit take of the things of Christ, and show 
them unto us ! ' Awake, north wind, and come thou south : 
blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out ! 
Let my Beloved come into His garden and eat His pleasant 
fruits.' 

" And now to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, 
be praise, and honour, and glory, and power ascribed henceforth 
and for evermore. — Amen." 

I have solemnly read over this prayer, and I desire to engage 
in such exercises of humiliation and thanksgiving as it calls me 
to. Alas ! how unfaithful, in many respects, have I been ! Yet, 
how gracious has the Lord proved! I can see answers to my 
prayers in countless instances. I cannot look back on my 
married life without adoring wonder and praise. It has been 
very happy and prosperous, and, I trust, somewhat useful. 
Thou who hast been my God, be the God of my children ! This 
day I resign and commend them to Thee. make them and 
keep them Thine own ; and help my beloved wife and myself to 
train them altogether for Thee ! 



MES. MORGAN'S FAMILY. 



27 



CHAPTER III. 

MY MINISTRY IN LISBURN. 

Mrs. Morgan's Family — Mrs. Gayer — John Wesley — A Eemarkable 
Dream — Bow lie came to Lisburn — Mr. Thomas Ekenhead — 
Vacancy in Donegall Street Congregation, Belfast — Difficulties 

about the Confession of Faith — The Portly Form of Dr. 

— Defeated in Donegall Street — Eev. Mr. Craig of Lisburn — 
Pleasant Intercourse with him — Commences Visitation — Evening 
Services — Sabbath-School — The Congregation Increases greatly — 
The Butchers — Introduces Temperance — The Case of A. M. — The 
Widow's Family — William Cochrane — The First Agent of the 
Belfast Town Mission. 

fHE residence of my wife's family was long at Der- 
riaghy House, in the immediate neighbourhood of 
Lisburn, where they possessed a considerable patrimony. 
Her father's name was John Grayer, a descendant of the 
Huguenots, and he, with his cousin John Gregg, were the 
two clerks of the Irish House of Commons at the time 
of the Union. My wife was not born, however, at the 
native place of the family, but at Bangor, I believe, in 
Wales, where her parents had gone to reside for a short 
time ; but she was reared near Lisburn, at Lambeg, with 
her grandmother, Mrs. Gayer, one of the most remarkable 
women of her day. Mrs. Gayer was one of the earliest 
adherents and converts of John Wesley. The tree yet 
stands — a noble one — under which he preached at Lambeg. 
The old lady devoted herself to God, and gave her zealous 
support to Methodism. She has been known to go from 
door to door in Lisburn, and invite the inhabitants to 



28 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



come and hear the Word preached by Wesley or some of 
his ministers. She was a marvel of piety in her day ; 
many extraordinary things are told of her. One occurs 
to me at present. She dreamed that she received a mes- 
sage from God, to send a sum of money to a gentleman 
in Dublin, whose name and residence were impressed on 
her mind, and so sincerely did she believe in this com- 
munication that she wrote to a friend in the city to call 
upon him, and hand to him the sum that had been named. 
The friend went, and was confounded to find himself in 
the house of an apparently wealthy man. However, with 
an explanation and apology, he told his errand. The 
gentleman burst into tears, and said that he had met 
with a misfortune which had placed him suddenly in want, 
and that he could not understand this visit otherwise 
than as an interposition of Providence to deliver him 
out of his difficulty. The money was paid to him. 

It was by this woman my beloved wife was reared ; 
and to her godliness and prayers I doubt not I have 
reason to ascribe much of the domestic happiness and 
prosperity which I have enjoyed. I count it an honour 
to be connected with her. The house in which my wife 
was brought up still exists, and is within the bounds of 
the congregation to which I was called to minister. This 
call did not in any way proceed from my family con- 
nexions. They all were members of the Church of 
England, with the exception of those who had become 
Wesleyans. My connexion with Lisburn arose in the 
following way : — The congregation of Donegall Street, in 
Belfast, had become vacant by the death of its minister, 
Mr. Atcheson. A principal member of it, Mr. Thomas 
Ekenhead, whose sister has built a memorial church 
bearing his name in North Queen Street, was my acquaint- 
ance. He knew me during my college course, and was 



MR. THOMAS EKENHEAD. 



29 



very kind to me. I dined with Mm often, and spent 
many evenings in his hospitable house. He had his 
attention directed to me as a successor to Mr. Atcheson, 
and wrote to me to Carlow on the subject of it. My 
answer to his letter, agreeing to come and preach, was 
recently found in the rubbish of houses pulled down to 
prepare for the erection of the present Custom-house. 
Mr. Ekenhead's office was there. 

I came to preach on the appointed day, and when I 
arrived by the Dublin and Belfast coach Mr. Ekenhead 
was waiting at the coach-office to receive me. I went 
with him to his house, and we dined alone. He was a 
bachelor. After dinner he told me he had a visit from 

Dr. on the subject of my coming to Donegall Street, 

and that he was much opposed to it, on the ground of my 
religious sentiments. My friend was an able and most 
benevolent man, but not a theologian. To convince him 
of my unsuitableness to be the minister of Donegall 
Street, the doctor brought the Westminster Confession in 
his pocket, and marked certain passages for Mr. Eken- 
head's perusal. For this purpose he left it with him, and 
begged him to consider whether he would choose a 
minister holding such sentiments. I asked my friend to 
read over the passages to me, and he did so. I then 
asked him to read them sentence by sentence, and to 
refer to the Scriptures cited as proofs at the bottom of the 
page. We then went through all the passages marked, 
comparing the text of the Confession and the Scripture 
proofs. This ended, and knowing I had to deal with a 
clear-headed and honest man, who had, however, never 
studied these subjects, I said that I had simply one 
question to ask him, and that I would be glad to have 
his answer, namely — "Do you believe that the doctrines 
complained of are taught more clearly and decidedly in 



30 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



the Scriptures or in the Confession of Faith ?" He rose 
to his feet, a man of some six feet in height, held the 
Confession open for a moment, closed it, and placed it 
on the shelf from which he had taken it down, and said, 
"If the Scriptures are true, the Confession is true." 
Not a word more was spoken on the subject. I remained 
with him while I was in Belfast. 

On Sabbath morning we went together to the church, 
and I was to preach in the morning and afternoon. As 
I came down the stair on my way to the pulpit from 
the session-room, I was met by a minister from the 
country, saying he had come to preach by order of 
Presbytery. Mr. Ekenhead was with me, and explained 
how I had been engaged to preach. A slight altercation 
arose between them, and I said that I would go down to 
Eosemary Street and preach for Dr. Hanna, so that those 
who wished to hear me might come there. The minister 
objected to this proposal, and said I might preach for 
him ; and so I took my place in the pulpit. Immediately 

before me I recognised the portly form of Dr. . He 

had not gone to D that day. He held a pew for his 

boarders in Donegall Street, and he considered himself 
entitled to the privileges of a seatholder. This explana- 
tion was given at the close of the service, for he attended 
both morning and afternoon. At the close of the latter 
service the precentor announced that he was directed to 
call a meeting of the seatholders after the benediction 
should be pronounced. I pronounced it, and left the 

church. The seatholders remained, Dr. among 

them. His presence was offensive to some, and a dispute 
arose. He defended himself, and Mr. Ekenhead blamed 
him for his intrusion. The dispute became warm, and 
my friend, lifting his hat, refused to remain, and said, 
" Let all the friends of Mr. Morgan come away with me." 



DEFEATED IN DONEGALL STREET. 



31 



Nearly all did so. Dr. remained, and a few others. 

The minister who had come to preach was placed in the 
chair. It was moved and seconded and carried unani- 
mously, that a minister who was named should be invited 
to preach the four following Sabbaths on trial. Thus I 
was disposed of for the present. 

Next day I called to see an old friend, Mr. John 
Grault Smith, of High Street. I had known him in my 
student days. He had heard me the day before in Done- 
gall Street, and was interested in my welfare. He said 
he would advise me not to think any more of Donegall 
Street, and named Lisburn as much more desirable. I 
told him I did not know anything of it, and that I was 
leaving Belfast to go home immediately. As we spoke 
standing at his door, he left me suddenly, and ran across 
the street, accosting a gentleman, and bringing him over 
to me. He said, " I have to introduce Counsellor Craig 
to you, the son of the Eev. Mr. Craig, of Lisburn, who 
would be much obliged to you if you would preach for 
his father next Sunday, as he is in bad health." I replied 
that I did not think I could honourably do so, considering 
my relation to Donegall Street. In this they did not 
concur, and I said, " Let me speak to Mr. Ekenhead, and 
if he thinks it right I will go." I saw him, and he 
approved of my going. " My father," said he, " is a 
member of that congregation. I will drive you over to 
see him, and we will call on Mr. Craig, who is his neigh- 
bour." We went that evening, and agreed that if Mr. 
Craig asked me to preach I should consent — if not, we 
would not propose it. We visited him, and as we were 
about to leave, he asked me to preach for him. I agreed 
to do so, returned to his house on Saturday, preached a 
sermon the next day, and the following morning went 
away to Dublin by the early coach. 



32 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DK. MORGAN. 



In a few weeks I received a unanimous call. Dr. 

came to one of the elders and warned him against 

me. This interference served me, and soon after I was 
installed. Thus commenced a most happy and prosperous 
ministry in one of the pleasantest places. There were 
many things to make it so. I was then much more 
furnished for the work than when I went to Carlow. I 
was twenty years and eight months old when I began my 
labours in the South, and I was twenty-five when these 
were transferred to the North. Mr. Craig, whose assistant 
I became, was a most agreeable man. It was said he 
held some opinions not the same as mine, but if so, he 
did not express them. He was silent on the subject of 
religious doctrines. He was a man of the old school — a 
thorough gentleman, well informed, meditative, reason- 
able, kind. In many ways he was highly useful to me. 
He was the best reader I ever heard, except James 
Sheridan Knowles. He told me he never read a chapter 
in the pulpit without first studying it, and preparing him- 
self to read it as it ought to be read. When he noticed 
anything wrong in my reading, or speaking, or pronun- 
ciation, he took me aside in the vestry,, and taught me 
how to speak. When he approved of my public appear- 
ances he commended me. He never spoke to me about 
any of my doctrines on which we might differ, holding 
that I was free to preach what I believed to be true. 
Whenever it was necessary, he preached for me, and told 
me he always carried a sermon in his pocket lest it might 
be required. We had never the shadow of a misunder- 
standing. On many subjects of practical importance he 
had proverbial sayings, which I was accustomed to hear 
with great attention, as they were the result of much 
observation on society. When I was called to leave 
Lisburn I asked his advice, but he said he never gave 



MINISTRY AT LISBURN. 



33 



one in such a case, as it was like the choice of a wife, 
where every man ought to act for himself according to 
his taste and liking. I revere his memory. 

While I had this personal comfort in my new sphere, 
there were many other advantages. My colleague was 
old, and had not been able to do much for some years. 
The congregation had, consequently, suffered somewhat, 
but the people all continued to respect him, and though 
the attendance at public worship had declined, they were 
still in large numbers round about. When I began to 
preach and visit them at their houses, they were speedily 
roused, and came in large assemblages to the church. 
We commenced an evening service, and all classes and 
denominations attended it. We established a Sabbath - 
school, and multitudes of children flocked to it. The 
ministry in the Church of England was not then vigorous, 
and many of the people waited on mine. No minister 
could have greater encouragement than was graciously 
given to me. I was wholly occupied in my work. I did 
not need to seek anything beyond it. I was altogether 
satisfied in it. 

Nothing had been promised in my call in the way of 
support, farther than that I should have what the church 
produced in the form of seat-rents ; but it was large, and 
in a brief period it needed to be extended by making the 
gallery more commodious, so that the income increased 
greatly. The last year I was there I received from the 
elders £180 — a sum almost unexampled in those days. 
But there was better than all this. I had many seals to 
my ministry in the conversion of sinners. Some of them 
remain to this present time. Not a few who were born 
under my ministry in Lisburn followed me to Belfast in 
future years, and are now members in Fisherwick Place. 
Lisburn has at length become strange to me. When I 



34 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



go there I can recognise almost none of my old friends. 
The fathers are gone, and the sons and daughters are 
risen up in their stead. Still, they have a kind word for 
me, and tell me of the sayings of their departed parents. 
What a meeting will there be at last before the Judg- 
ment-seat ! One generation cometh, and another passeth 
away, but the influence of the ministry pervades them 
all, and goes down to future ages, whether it be faithful 
for good or unfaithful for evil. " Who is sufficient for 
these things ! " God has given me blessed opportunities, 
but what account am I to render of them ? Lisburn is 
among them, and thence I hope to meet not a few in 
glory, some of them worthy of special record. 

As soon as I came to Lisburn I began to visit the 
families of the congregation. My aged colleague had 
been unable to do so for some years through infirmity. 
It was, therefore, the more necessary that I should attend 
to this department of ministerial duty. It was my 
purpose without delay to get acquainted with the entire 
Presbyterian population, whether connected or not with 
the congregation. Not a few, I soon found, had fallen 
away from church-going habits. As I went from family 
to family, I inquired if they knew of any Presbyterians 
in their neighbourhood. In this way I found very many 
who had been long estranged from the house of God. By 
perseverance I discovered, I believe, all such persons in 
the town, or within a circle of two miles around it. At 
length my list, containing the names and numbers of 
the families, amounted to five hundred householders. 

There was one class of which I have a very distinct 
remembrance — the butchers. Many of them were nominal 
Presbyterians, but sadly deteriorated by intemperance. 
My visits to them were very acceptable. I sought and 
gained their confidence. Then I endeavoured to change 



THE LISBURN BUTCHERS. 



35 



their habits by getting them under engagements to limit 
the quantity of intoxicants which they used. Abstinence 
had not then been thought of. It will give some idea of 
the state of matters when I say that the smallest quantity 
I could induce them to promise to use was three glasses 
of spirits in the day ; but this their wives and friends 
considered to be a great reformation. Not a few of them 
agreed to this, and soon found the benefit, so that their 
character improved, and they became sober men. One 
of them — A. M. — was an old man, and I could not get 
hold of him. He kept out of my way, I believe. One 
day I met him, and he was under the influence of drink. 
I stopped, and said I wished to talk with him ; but as I 
saw he had been drinking I would not then tell him what 
I had to say, and requested he would not drink any more 
till I saw him the next day. He replied — " I know what 
you want, and I will do it now." " Not now, you are 
not competent," I said. His answer was — " I am, and 
will do it." His son, a young man, was with him, who 
had already come under a promise to me, and he said I 
had better let his father have his own way. I was 
struck by the remark, and concluded that he believed his 
father could and would keep a promise. " Then, let us 
go off the street," I said, " and go into a house." We did 
so, and I wrote for him what I had written for his sons 
and others. He read it, and, putting it away, declared 
he would not sign it. He then explained that his signa- 
ture must be to total abstinence. I changed the promise 
into the form he desired, and he signed it. I told him I 
would go to see him the next day in his own house. I 
did so, and found him sober. After some weeks I saw 
him from my pulpit coming into the House of God with 
his family, decent and orderly. He continued sober while 
I remained in Lisburn, several years. After I came to 



36 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



Belfast I saw him frequently, as lie attended the weekly- 
market there. One day I asked him was he still per- 
severing in sobriety. He replied, " Yes but added, " I 
had a sore temptation last Friday." " How ?" I inquired. 
He explained, — " The day was fearful. I got to Dun- 
murry ; I was so drenched and done up that I thought 
I must go into the public-house and have a glass of 
spirits. I went to it, but, as I crossed the threshold, 
my conscience cried ' No !' and I came away. As I did 
so, I bethought myself that I was not then under any 
promise, and that as I needed spirits I ought to take 
them. Again, therefore, I turned back to the public- 
house ; but, as I entered again, conscience cried, ' No!' 
and I turned round, ran up the hill till I was out of sight 
of the house, and so God preserved me." So far as I 
know, this man never returned to intemperance. He is 
now long dead. This case was not a singular one. 

By getting into the families in my visitations, I was 
enabled to induce not a few to change their habits. At 
first I was offered spirits in almost every house, but soon 
I was not asked to take it in any. This was good, but 
God gave me to see something higher and better. Soon, 
in my visits, I came to the house of a widow in the 
country. She was poor, and had two sons and a daughter. 
The sons supported the family by weaving, then badly 
paid. I liked their appearance, especially that of one of 
the sons, who was obviously very intelligent, but un- 
educated. I kept my eye upon him afterwards. At this 
time he knew nothing of the Gospel of Christ ; but his 
attendance at public worship was constant, and his atten- 
tion marked. I conversed with him as I had opportunity. 
At length he came to me under deep concern for his salva- 
tion. I talked and prayed with him. Light was given, 
and Jesus was revealed to him. He became a decided 



WILLIAM COCHEANE. 



37 



Christian young man. At that time the Belfast Town 
Mission had just been formed. I received a letter 
inquiring if I could recommend a suitable agent. I 
answered, recommending this young man. He was in- 
vited to an interview, and was accepted. This was 
William Cochrane, the first agent of the Mission, who 
proved to be one of the mightiest instruments for good 
that Belfast ever saw. He laboured for years devotedly 
and successfully. When I came to be a minister in Bel- 
fast we were re -united. He was as my right hand. He 
became a diligent student, and a sound theologian. He 
was an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures. His 
influence in the town and country increased exceedingly. 
It is questionable whether any minister in Belfast was 
the means of more conversions than this agent of the 
Town Mission. Certainly among the poor no man ever 
had the same influence. He ought to have been ordained 
a minister, and perhaps would have been had he lived, 
but in his incessant visits among the poor he was worn 
down, and was seized with fever, under which he suc- 
cumbed, though he had been a man of Herculean frame 
and constitution, and so died. To this hour, after many 
years, his memory is very dear to many. I wrote a notice 
of his life and published it when he died. The present 
generation have heard of him and his labours, but the 
recollection of both is growing fainter and fainter. There 
may be no remembrance of him on the earth, when his 
old acquaintances have followed him to the grave, but in 
heaven, I doubt not, he holds a distinguished place. He 
is one of those I hope and long to meet there. It was a 
great honour to be instrumental in his conversion ; and 
had the Lord only given to me this fruit of my labour it 
would be more than a reward for all my ministry in 
Lisburn. 



38 



LIFE AND TTMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



CHAPTER IV. 

MY MINISTRY IN BELFAST. 

Invitation to Preach in Fisherwick Place — Delicate Health — Eev. 
Henry Cooke — The Town of Belfast — Character of the Place — 
Deadness of the Synod of Ulster — Deficiency of Church Ac- 
commodation — Fisherwick Place — Want of School-houses and 
Sabbath-Schools — Liberalism — Drinking Habits — Desire for Ee- 
f ormation — Origin of Presbyterianism in Ulster — Subscription to 
the Confession Eelaxed — Eecollections of the Synod in Cookstown 
— No Missions — Eising Dissatisfaction — The Belfast Academical 
Institution — A Momentous Struggle — The Triumph of Orthodoxy 
— Withdrawal of the Eemonstrants — Dr. Cooke — Dr. Mont- 
gomery — Dr. Stewart — Synod Adopts the Old Standards. 

3£ WAS very happy in Lisburn, well satisfied with it, 
Jf) and fully occupied when I was invited to leave it. 
This I was reluctant to do, and two reasons weighed with 
me. I had great doubts of my capacity for the place I 
was called to fill. I was not robust in health, but had 
been delicate for some time. So far had this delicacy 
gone that, when I was asked to preach for a day in 
Fisherwick Place, among others appointed to supply it, 
I declined to preach two sermons, and did deliver only 
one. Besides, I did not feel confident that I was the 
person to engage in a new, untried, and difficult sphere 
of ministerial duty, which was looked upon by all as an 
experiment of doubtful issues. There was another whom 
it was my anxious desire the congregation would call in 
my stead. This was Mr. Cooke. It seemed to me that 
the public voice, and his peculiar talents pointed to him 



CALL TO BELFAST. 39 

as the Tight man for the place. But it appeared this 
could not be done. There was strong opposition to him 
arising out of the offence he had given by his opposition 
to certain proceedings in the Belfast Academical Institu- 
tion, and his well-known and strong political sentiments. 
On these grounds his appointment was hopeless. He urged 
me to accept the call I had received. Others who were 
concerned for the success of this new effort on behalf of 
Evangelical truth, did the same, and at length I con- 
sented. The call was sent to me in July, but I did not 
enter on my duties till the first Sabbath of November, 
1828. I was then twenty -nine years old, and had been 
eight years and nine months in the ministry. Then, I 
may truly say, the work of my life began. It was com- 
paratively easy to record my ministry in Carlow and 
in Lisburn ; but of that in Belfast, what shall I say, or 
how am I to record it ? After mature reflection I see no 
course but one, to set down a few unconnected jottings 
as they may be brought to my memory on the various 
aspects of my work, and the circumstances by which these 
were influenced. The remembrance of them ought to be 
profitable to me, as they are reviewed sometimes for 
humiliation, and again for thankfulness. Lord help me 
in these solemn exercises, and enable me to write in the 
view of their inspection at the Judgment Seat of Christ, 
before which I must at the last stand. 

BELFAST. 

My thoughts are here naturally drawn at the outset 
to the town which was to be the field of my ministry. I 
had known it long and well, having spent four Winters 
there at college, and lived four years and a-half in its 
neighbourhood besides. In my college days I always 
heard the population was 40,000. Ten years after, it 



40 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



must have been 50,000, or more. I believe no accurate 
census had then been taken. I had always great facility 
in knowing the people — their persons, and names, and 
circumstances, even though I had no acquaintance farther 
with them. I have been accustomed to say that probably 
I could have told the name of every man in Belfast, in 
those days, who wore a decent coat ; though I had 
never spoken to him, somehow I learned his name and 
occupation. But it is more important to call to mind 
what was the spirit, or tone, or character of the place 
then ; and it may readily be assumed what it must have 
been when I state an historical fact, that the principal 
religious body of the town, the Synod of Ulster, had not 
for a hundred years added a single Presbyterian Church, 
with one small exception. The old church in Eosemary 
Street, where Dr. Hanna preached, and that in Donegall 
Street, where Mr. Atcheson preached, were the only places 
in the roll of the Synod. The former had been built 100 
years ago, and the latter was erected in consequence of a 
dispute affecting the minister of what is called the Second 
Congregation, in connexion with the Presbytery of Antrim. 
He left his connexion with that congregation, and went 
to Donegall Street, to the church which his friends had 
built for him. Thus, that small addition was made to 
the church accommodation of the Synod of Ulster, in 
Belfast, within a century. Other denominations had done 
something, but it was very little. 

Meantime, the population had grown from 15,000 to 
40,000 or 50,000. This was not all. The churches that 
did exist were very quiescent and inactive. The idea of 
activity and extension had not yet occurred to them. 
The proposal to build Fisherwick Place was long and 
powerfully resisted in the Church Courts. For four years 
the efforts of a few to raise it were successfully baffled. 



WANT OF CHURCHES. 



41 



The great argument against it was, that while Dr. Hanna's 
church was filled to overflowing, that in Donegall Street 
was nearly empty. Until it was filled nothing more should 
be done. It was as if it should be said — A certain shop 
is not doing an extensive business, and until it is pros- 
perous no other should be opened in the place. There 
are certain shops that can never succeed, and so with 
certain churches. The remedy for both is to get new 
ones. It was only by the determined and persevering 
efforts of such men as Mr. Charles Thomson and Pro- 
fessor Thompson, and a few more, that the opposition 
was overcome, and liberty granted by the Synod to build 
the new church. Even where congregations existed in 
the town there was none of the machinery that is now 
felt to be essential for their success in the great work 
that is committed to them. 

When I came to Belfast there was not one congrega- 
tional school or school-house in it, of any denomination 
— Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Wesleyans, or Eoman 
Catholics. The first that was built is that in the rere of 
Fisherwick Place, the room covering the sexton's house 
and session-room ; the next was that in the rere of May 
Street Church. Then followed the parish school-house, 
in connexion with St. Ann's Church ; then that of the 
Eoman Catholic Chapel in Donegall Street. All the rest 
that now exist have been built subsequently. The fact 
which has been stated is significant of the times. Con- 
gregational Sabbath-schools were not then known. Those 
that existed were unions of all denominations. Some of 
these were admirable. There was long such in the House 
of Industry in Smithfield, another in Brown Street, and 
another in Frederick Street — the last two continuing still 
in much efficiency. All admitted their value ; but the 
time had not come when the spirit that raised these was 



42 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



to pervade the whole community, and every church was 
to have its own school, daily and Sunday-school, and ex- 
tend their blessing to all who should embrace their ad- 
vantages. It was my custom in those days, whenever I 
spoke of a church, to connect the school with it, and so 
to impregnate the public mind with the belief that the 
two were essential, component parts of one great mechan- 
ism for the good of society. 

In such a state of things, it could not be expected that 
the public sentiment should be a sound one on the great 
questions of the day, affecting the religious and social in- 
terests of the community. Perhaps the best term to 
express the spirit that prevails was the one that was then 
used, Liberalism. It includes politics and religion. At 
present I speak of it only in the latter application. There, 
it meant either erroneous doctrine, or indifference to all 
religious truth. Unitarianism, not nominally, but really, 
reigned in Belfast. Dr. Hanna preached a full, sound 
Gospel, and in his pulpit never compromised the truth, 
but he had not the social influence of some other minis- 
ters. The power was in the hands of another class. Public 
appointments depended almost entirely on its pleasure. 
Not that they who composed it would call themselves 
Unitarians. Perhaps many of them would repudiate the 
name. Eeligious doctrines were not generally understood 
or canvassed then as they are now. The essence of ex- 
cellence was held to consist in ignoring the whole subject. 
Let every man think as he pleases, and, right or wrong, 
let no one interfere with him ; if he is right, it is well : 
if not, it is no matter ; every one is right if he thinks so 
himself ; whoever held a different view was counted a 
bigot ; to speak to a man about his soul and salvation 
would be esteemed an unpardonable liberty. This was 
the ruling temper of the day. No doubt there were, 



STATE OF BELFAST. 



43 



happily, many exceptions. There were godly men of the 
highest and best stamp, but their voice was little heard. 
There were some sweet prayer meetings among them ; 
but they did not exist in most of the churches. There was 
some longing and praying for the revival of religion ; but 
a united meeting for that purpose in public was un- 
known. 

There were many clubs for other purposes, chiefly for 
social intercourse and enjoyment. In them all, spirit 
drinking prevailed, often freely. The taverns were much 
frequented. I remember the saying of one of the best 
and cleverest merchants of Belfast when, some time after 
this, he heard of Dr. Edgar's preaching a public sermon 
on temperance, and his proposal to abstain from the use 
of distilled spirits — " I will give a guinea to the first man 
of common sense you will find, who shall pledge himself 
to such an absurd engagement." I believe this good man 
lived to think very differently. This was the temper of 
Belfast when I was called to be a minister in it. I was 
well aware of it. I knew how critical and precarious 
my position was in it. I desired to see it changed. But 
I believed only one thing could do that — the Gospel of 
Christ, preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from 
heaven, and to that I resolved to confine myself. 

THE SYNOD OF ULSTER. 

The Synod may fairly be described as Belfast repeated 
and extended. There was a leaven of good in it, but the 
prevailing influence was against Evangelical truth. There 
were still godly men, such as Mr. Elder, of Finvoy, Mr. 
Henry, of Connor, the Dills, and others ; but the rulers 
and speakers were chiefly of a different stamp. The Pres- 
byterian Church in Ulster arose out of the plantation of 
that Province by English, but principally Scottish settlers 



44 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



in the time of King James. Those who first came were 
a regardless race, very much adventurers seeking the pre- 
sent world. But the Mother Church of Scotland wisely 
sent some of her ministers after them, such as Livingstone 
and Blair, and their ministrations were greatly blessed. 
A gracious revival was granted in those days, and multi- 
tudes became obedient to the faith. This was the real 
origin of any good in Ulster, and for many generations 
its influence continued more or less. But insidious error 
was secretly introduced. The liberal spirit insinuated 
itself, and brought forth its natural fruits in due time. 
The form in which they chiefly appeared was Arianism. 
Many became infected by it. Some who never embraced 
it were yet slow to condemn it. A compromising spirit 
grew extensively. The Confession of Faith had been, 
from the first, the standard subscribed by ministers ; but 
gradually the subscription was relaxed, and some Presby- 
teries discontinued to use it. Coldness and worldliness, 
and their kindred influences, abounded. 

I knew the Synod early in my life ; for my boyhood 
was spent in Cookstown, where its annual meetings were 
then almost always held. I had a fancy to attend them, 
and came to know all the leading men, and to form an 
opinion about them. I could tell the names of nearly all 
the ministers who were accustomed to attend regularly. 
I heard their debates, and was greatly entertained with 
them. A rough and ready talent was apparent in many. 
There were remarkable and sedate men, not a few ; but 
the favourite speakers were the gay and lively and amus- 
ing. Great good humour usually prevailed, though some- 
times checked by not a little bitterness and disputation. 
There was not much to be done that should have consti- 
tuted the business of a Christian Church, and the time 
passed pleasantly in formalities and jokes. There was 



THE SYNOD OF ULSTEE. 



45 



not a little jollity. I can still remember the sallies of 
Bankhead and Lyttle, and others like them. There was 
no code of discipline, and all questions that called for 
precedent were referred to Mr. Thomson, of Carnmoney, 
the most venerable man in the Synod. His opinion, given 
with great modesty, but clearness and ability, was usually 
accepted for law. Even the minutes were not then pub- 
lished. Mr. Thomson was employed to prepare an abstract 
of them from the beginning up to that period, and this 
document still exists in a printed form. There were no 
missions for either home, or foreign lands. Such had 
begun elsewhere, but there was a prejudice against them. 

Some time before that period of which I now write, 
the Synod was waited upon by a deputation from the 
London Missionary Society, in the person of Dr. Waugh, 
and there was a lengthened and warm debate on the 
propriety of allowing him to address the Synod. I have 
heard my father, who happened to be present, speak often 
of the debate and of the appearance of Dr. Waugh. After 
much opposition had been overcome he was permitted to 
speak. His words were weighty and mighty. They could 
not resist the power with which he spoke. The Synod 
was taken with sympathy, and my father said he be- 
lieved there was not a dry eye in it. That day was an 
omen of better times. Still, years passed over before any- 
thing in the way of missions was done. Another great 
work was first needed — the restoration of the ancient 
doctrine of the Church. Signs began to appear of dis- 
satisfaction with prevailing errors. Inquiry arose on the 
subject of religious doctrine, and references were made to 
the early standards, to which some Presbyteries still ad- 
hered. A subject was soon after introduced that brought 
the question to a crisis. 

The Belfast Academical Institution proposed to the 



46 LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 

Synod to provide a course of instruction for its students 
if it would give its sanction to the professors whom they 
were willing to appoint. This furnished matter of long 
and earnest debate. At length the Home Education was 
sanctioned by the Synod, and I was one of the first 
students that took advantage of it. For a few years all 
went on satisfactorily, the professors being generally 
teachers in whom the Synod had confidence ; but it soon 
was found that Belfast influence was filling vacant chairs 
with men of doubtful religious sentiments. This gave a 
turn to the entire subject of orthodox doctrine. Mr. Cooke, 
who had been for some time growing into influence, de- 
livered a speech at a meeting of the Synod in Newry, in 
which he boldly attacked the teaching of some of the pro- 
fessors, and moved that inquiry should be made. Few 
were prepared for his plain and powerful speaking, and a 
great excitement arose. However the ministers might act, 
it was soon clear that a chord had been touched in the 
heart of the Church at large. This discussion about the 
Belfast College led on to a more serious one about the 
toleration of Arianism in the Synod. A fearful struggle 
arose, and continued to rage for years. A mighty oppo- 
nent to Dr. Cooke arose, in the person of Dr. Mont- 
gomery. Others were drawn into the controversy. Soon 
all were compelled to take their side. The pressure from 
without, as well as the vital doctrine within, forbade 
neutrality. It was when I was in Lisburn the discussion 
was at its height, and it was not ended until I was in 
Belfast. 

My first public appearance in it was at a meeting in 
Cookstown, where all the ministers were required to 
answer, each for himself, whether he accepted the doctrine 
of the Trinity as taught in the questions upon it in the 
Shorter Catechism. This question had been raised at the 



THE UNITARIAN CONTROVERSY. 



47 



annual meeting in Strabane the year before, where I was 
not present. Dr. Cooke based its necessity on the fact 
that Dr. Power had asserted, in a book recently published 
by him, that Arian sentiments were prevalent, and ex- 
tending in the Synod of Ulster, and that, therefore, every 
man should be made to answer for himself. I was one of 
those called upon at the next meeting in Cookstown. I 
replied in the affirmative, and made my first speech in the 
Synod, which was favourably received. A triumph for 
orthodoxy was the issue of all these proceedings. The 
Synod and Church became thoroughly alive to the vita- 
lity of the questions at stake. Our Arian ministers began 
to see that they could not hold their position. The tide 
was set in against them. A committee was appointed 
called the Theological Examination Committee, with in- 
structions to try all candidates for licence, and to pass 
none who did not express their readiness to sign the West- 
minster Confession of Faith. Proposals were then made 
by the Arians for a peaceful separation from the Synod. 
They withdrew, to the number of seventeen, and formed 
themselves into a new association called the Eemonstrant 
Synod. 

My recollections of those days bring up vividly the 
remarkable appearances made by the champions of the 
debate. Many acquitted themselves well ; but, as in 
David's time, there were three mighty men. Dr. Cooke 
was the first of them. His talent, and courage, and 
perseverance were amazing. I never saw a man able to 
stand against him in personal debate. This applies not 
only to our own Synod, but to every other Church Court 
in which I have ever been. I have attended the As- 
semblies of the Established and Free Churches of Scot- 
land, as well as the British Houses of Parliament, and I 
felt persuaded no man in them could meet him single 



48 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



handed and overcome him. They might have more 
learning or mental power, but his vehemence and purpose 
to conquer would have given him at least the appearance 
of victory. He would never give up. His discussion 
with Dr. Eitchie on the Voluntary Question was tremen- 
dous, and all his opponent's callousness was broken down 
before him. It would have been the same with Daniel 
O'Connell had he accepted the Doctor's challenge to discuss 
the question of the Union of Ireland with England, which 
he was too wily to do. 

Dr. Montgomery was the only man that had any 
chance with him. He, too, was a mighty man. He was 
more plausible and persuasive than Dr. Cooke. He had 
his boldness also, and great accomplishment in English 
speaking. He wanted the general knowledge of science 
and literature possessed by Dr. Cooke, but he could speak 
on almost any subject as if he understood it, even when 
he did not. His personal influence over all with whom 
he came in contact was, perhaps, never exceeded. It is 
said he could influence the late Sir Eobert Peel almost as 
he pleased. He had, moreover, kindness and generosity 
to a large degree. His friends admired and loved him 
exceedingly, and none could treat him with indifference 
or disrespect. His presence commanded admiration and 
honour. Had he known the Gospel of Christ as Dr. 
Cooke knew it, he would have been one of the greatest 
influences in society for good. Nor do I hesitate to rank 
with these two men one other — Dr. Stewart. He was 
inferior to them in imagination and eloquence, as the 
latter is commonly understood, but he was superior to 
them in logic and pure mental power. Had they all 
been brought up to the Bar, they would have, every one 
of them, been in the highest rank ; but, while the first two 
would have been the most popular speakers, the last would 



THE LEADERS OF THE CONTROVERSY. 49 



have been the most profound, and his judicial decisions 
would have been, in the end, the most esteemed by sound 
thinkers. Had they all been in the House of Commons, 
they would have ruled it, and risen to the highest positions. 

In their old age, Dr. Cooke and Dr. Montgomery often 
met. They were invited frequently together at such tables 
as Lord Downshire's. They were cordial friends after all 
their contentions. Dr. Cooke and I walked together at 
Dr. Montgomery's funeral, and had the melancholy satis- 
faction of doing honour to his memory. The great man 
had lived, I believe, to see that on the question of creeds 
in Churches he had been mistaken. His latter day was 
embittered by some of his own brethren, who cast aside 
all ecclesiastical control. He had often been warned of 
this issue, but he would not believe in it. Before he died 
he had violent controversy with his brethren upon it. 
Some, at their ordination, would not answer any question, 
not even whether they believed in the existence of Cod. 
How different the result of Dr. Cooke's views and con- 
tendings, helped as he was by Dr. Stewart and others ! 
When the Arians withdrew, all matters were put in due 
order. After many minor and salutary arrangements, 
the work was completed ; when, on the motion of Dr. 
Brown, the Synod unanimously adopted the Westminster 
Confession of Faith as its old and own standard. Great 
peace followed this wise and seasonable return to the old 
paths. God has given to us a sound and united ministry 
under another name than the Synod of Ulster. 



E 



50 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



CHAPTER V. 

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

IN IRELAND. 

Fruits of the Separation — Union of Synod with the Secession — Its 
Origin among the Students — Memorable Year 1840 — Auspicious 
•Commencement — Rise of Missionary Spirit — Arrangements for 
Eeceiving Deputies — A Missionary Church — Steps taken with 
this View — The Home Mission — Addresses — The Synod on the 
Home Mission — On the Foreign Mission — Selection of a Field for 
the Foreign Mission — First Public Act of the General Assembly — 
Successful Appeal to the Congregations — Dr. Reid — Missions to 
Jews — Rev. David Hamilton — Colonial Missions — Continental 
Mission — Church and Manse Fund — Munificent Support — Dr. 
Edgar. 

HE Assembly was the fruit of the separation of the 
Arians from the Synod of Ulster. They were not 
expelled, but measures were adopted that rendered it im- 
possible for any more such to be admitted, and they, 
therefore, withdrew of their own accord, and carried their 
endowments and churches, and all the property connected 
with these, away with them, except, in a few instances, 
where the congregations were divided in their opinion. 
In a few of these there were, unhappily, legal proceedings ; 
not more, however, than three or four. When the Arians 
were gone, and the Synod returned to its old standards, 
requiring, universally, subscription to the Confession of 
Faith, and examining all entrants to see that they under- 
stood it, and truly accepted it, it began to be felt that 
the obstacle to union with the Secession Church in Ire- 
land was removed. 



UNION OF THE SYNODS. 



51 



The Seceding ministers had been sent over originally 
from Scotland, from the body originated by the Erskines, in 
the day of the degeneracy of the Established Church there. 
The more earnest portion of the people in the Synod of 
Ulster were so dissatisfied with the prevalence of Arianism 
in it, that they encouraged the Seceders, and many of them 
united with them. But now the question arose — Why 
should two Churches, in all things agreed, keep asunder ? 
The separation was injurious in many ways ; two con- 
gregations existed where there ought to be only one ; 
there was a constant rivalry ; discipline was endangered, 
as the door from one congregation to another was too 
freely opened. It was, however, chiefly with the students 
of the two Churches, studying together in the same col- 
lege, that the first and most vigorous steps were taken 
towards a union. I was called upon by a deputation from 
the students of both bodies, and asked to address them 
on the subject, at their united meeting for prayer and 
conference, and I did so. Proposals were soon made from 
the one Synod to the other. The basis of union was 
agreed upon, and, in due time, it was consummated in 
Belfast, in the year 1840, when both Synods met, and 
became one, under the name of the General Assembly of 
the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The commencement 
was most auspicious. The United Church took a new 
attitude. 

The first and most signal manifestation of it was a 
strong and ardent outburst of a missionary spirit. Hitherto, 
this had not appeared in any strength, although there were 
some indications of its existence. A feeble agency existed 
in the Synod of Ulster, under the name of the Home 
Mission, which sought to establish congregations in the 
North and West of Ireland, and to preach the Gospel to 
the Irish-speaking population in their own tongue, as well 



52 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



as to Eomanists generally. There was also somewhat of 
a similar agency in the Secession Synod ; but beyond this 
neither looked. There was no Foreign Mission. The 
only efforts in that direction were made through other 
Societies, the Scotch, and the London Missionary Societies. 
These sent deputations to us on the alternate years. From 
the time of my settlement in Belfast, I acted as their 
agent. I wrote to my brethren throughout the two 
Synods, and obtained pulpits for the deputies, in which 
they might advocate their cause, and make collections 
for its support. I counted it a success when, in this 
way, £500 was obtained. But, once the Assembly was 
constituted, we took another course. We acknowledged 
our obligation to act as a Missionary Church. Our 
principle was that, not merely as a voluntary society 
aiding other societies, right and needful as that was, but 
as a Church of Christ we should regard it as our grand 
duty to extend the Gospel as well at home as abroad. 
Not only so, as a Presbyterian Church it was believed 
that our missionary reports should come annually before 
the assembled Church, as well as the review of its home 
doings. Instructions were therefore issued that all mini- 
sters should address their congregations on the subject, 
and all make collections of funds for the furtherance of 
the work. Presbyteries were enjoined to see that these 
things were done universally within their bounds. 

Thus, all our missions arose, and have been maintained. 
The first was naturally the Home Mission, and it was 
placed by the Assembly on a better basis than before. At 
the same Assembly, the Foreign Mission was established ; 
some steps had been taken towards it previously. The 
Secession Church had collected some small funds, which 
had not been appropriated. The Synod of Ulster had not 
any, but it had made choice of two missionaries. It is 



RISE OF MISSIONARY SPIRIT. 



53 



strong in my recollection how I had been drawn promi- 
nently into connexion with both these missions, the Home 
and the Foreign. I had taken a deep interest in both, and 
this was well known. At a meeting of the Synod of Ulster, 
in my own church, reference had been made to some efforts 
of my congregation on behalf of our Home Mission, such 
as it was, and Dr. Eeid, the Clerk of the Synod, afterwards 
Professor of Church History in our own Church, and then 
in Glasgow, called on me to address the Synod on the 
subject. I never had an inclination for speaking in our 
public meetings, but when called upon I did not refuse. 
On this occasion I spoke, and the Lord helped me. The 
speech was well received. It was matter of congratulation 
to me on all hands ; and it was believed that a stimulus 
was given to the cause, by which it would be much 
advanced. The future proved that this was not a mis- 
calculation. 

A similar occurrence took place in relation to a Foreign 
Mission. At a subsequent meeting of the Synod I had 
occasion to advert to the subject. As I was doing so the 
hour of adjournment came, and again, without any 
authority from me, Dr. Eeid announced that, on re- 
assembling, the Synod would be addressed by me on the 
subject of the formation of a Foreign Mission. I had the 
interval to get a few thoughts into order. When I re- 
turned there was a large and expectant meeting. I pro- 
ceeded, and was again sustained by a special blessing of 
the Lord, and the result was a resolution to proceed with 
a Mission to the Heathen. I was directed to convene a 
committee appointed for the purpose, and take steps to- 
wards a selection of a field for a Foreign Mission, and the 
choice of missionaries. All this was done, and we were 
prepared to report with satisfaction to the Assembly when 
it should be constituted. By the advice of the Kev. Dr. 



54 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



Wilson of Bombay, we had chosen the Province of Katia- 
waur, in India, for the field, and we presented two 
brethren to the Assembly, who had accepted our call to 
proceed thither — Messrs. James Glasgow and Alexander 
Kerr — who had been severally the ministers of Castledaw- 
son and Portadown. The first public act of the Assembly 
was their installation — setting them apart to the mission- 
field. It was a good beginning. There were not funds 
to send them ; but, on the spot, a subscription list was 
opened by the Assembly, and most generous contributions 
were given by the ministers and elders — not a few putting 
down their names for £5, and £10, and £20, and up- 
wards. Instructions were given to appeal to the con- 
gregations, and this was speedily done to a great extent. 
We had ascertained that £1,500 would be required to 
equip and send out the two missionaries, with their 
wives, and make the necessary provision for their support. 
When our answers had been received from as many con- 
gregations as were expected to give, and the whole sum 
was reckoned up, it was found to amount to that which 
was required. We were constrained to cry — " What hath 
God wrought ! " In the following August the missionaries 
and their wives sailed for their destination in the Wave, 
from Liverpool. They were six months on the passage. 
In a few months Mr. Kerr took fever arid died. Four 
were soon obtained to take his place, and so the mission 
has been maintained and prospered to this day. My re- 
ference to Dr. Eeid constrains me now to allude farther 
to him. 

He was the first clerk of the Synod, and then of the 
Assembly, to put our business in order, and greatly to 
serve us in that respect. He was the first historian of 
our Church in modern times. His history is the basis of 
all that has or shall come after it. He was an able and 



MISSION TO THE JEWS. 



55 



admirable man. He never had the honour given to him 
to which he was entitled by his character and services. 
For this I can account only by the circumstance of his 
removal to the chair of Church History at Glasgow 
University. He was withdrawn from us, and not appear- 
ing in our midst, his labours were never acknowledged as 
otherwise they should and would have been. While the 
Presbyterian Church, however, lives in Ireland, " his 
works shall praise him in the gates." He was removed 
to another land, and a few years ago to the grave, but 
the work of the Assembly that was very dear to him has 
gone forward and prospered. 

The year after the formation of the Foreign Mission, 
that to the Jews was established. Mr. M'Cheyne had 
been at our Assembly, and his visit on the former year 
had produced a strong feeling on behalf of Israel. Many 
of our excellent people were moved to seek their salvation. 
They came up to the Assembly by memorial, and pre- 
sented signatures extending to some yards in length. 
There was a fear that we might be going too fast in so 
soon undertaking another Mission ; but when the memorial 
was read and the signatures shown, all hesitation departed. 
It was manifestly of the Lord, and the Assembly gave 
itself to the work. I suggested the appointment of the 
Rev. David Hamilton, the minister of York Street, as the 
convener. This was accepted unanimously, and this man 
of God cheerfully undertook the work. A most fitting 
and faithful agent he proved to be. His heart was in the 
work, and he laboured assiduously and successfully in it. 
After years of toil in that and every good work he was 
suddenly overtaken with fever, and in a few days he 
died. The public honoured his memory by making a 
generous provision for his family, and his congregation 
increased it by the addition of large subscriptions from 



56 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



themselves. All men cried over his grave, " Blessed are 
the dead that die in the Lord." He was to me a dear and 
beloved brother, and constantly preached in my pulpit on 
every Saturday before the observance of the Lord's 
Supper. 

A few years after the formation of the Jewish Mission, 
attention came to be directed to the multitude of our 
people who were emigrating to Canada, and Australia, 
and other places. It was felt that it was our duty to 
send ministers after them, as had been done by the 
mother Church of Scotland, when they sent some of their 
best men after our forefathers in Ulster. Thus arose the 
Assembly's Colonial Mission, under the convenership of 
Mr. M'Clure of Derry. It has supplied a great want, and 
already done a good work. It has been useful at home in 
stirring up or strengthening in our young ministers a spirit 
of enterprise and missionary labour. A large number, be- 
tween thirty and forty, have already gone abroad. It is 
widening its sphere continually, and promises to be one 
of the most useful, cheap, and remunerative of all our 
missions. To this has been added the Continental Mission 
with Dr. Gibson, and afterwards Mr. Gibson, his son, as 
its conductor. We do not occupy it by our own mini- 
sters, but we aid those men of God who are already labour- 
ing on the Continent of Europe. The College of Geneva, 
under Dr. D'Aubigne (now no more), has received liberal 
help, and the students trained by him, or the ministers 
connected with him, as well as others who are preaching 
a pure Gospel. 

Simultaneously with these missions other vigorous 
efforts were made by the Assembly for the establishment 
and extension of the Gospel. The Church and Manse 
Fund, under the guidance of my dear brother, Mr. David 
Hamilton, was a great success. At first it was proposed 



CHURCH AND MANSE FUND. 



57 



to raise £5,000, but John and Thomas Sinclair, noble- 
minded merchants, said, " Why not continue the £5,000 
annually for five years, and thus raise £25,000 V This 
suggestion was adopted, and more was done, for the issue 
showed over £30,000, which has been paid and expended. 
In like manner an organization was originated and com- 
mitted to my management for the increase of ministerial 
support. I laboured at this work for several years, until 
the annual increase of seat-rents amounted to a sum equal 
to an investment of £100,000 at five per cent. Kecently 
another Church and Manse Fund has been formed, as 
such an agency is still required, and the subscription list 
now reaches £20,000. In addition to all these and other 
agencies of a similar kind — such as a fund to assist the 
ministers of weak congregations and unendowed ministers, 
under the most earnest management of Mr. M'Alister of 
Armagh (now succeeded by Dr. Smyth) — a mission to 
China has also been recently begun. May the good 
Lord who has so guided us hitherto make our path plain 
in this case also. In all these ways of mission labour I 
am thankful to say I have been privileged to bear my 
part. This has been the outgoing of our united and 
revived Church. By the union of the two Synods we 
were enabled to do what would not otherwise have been 
possible. This applies not merely to funds, but to men. 
In the Assembly not a few were brought together who 
were men of understanding, and " who knew what Israel 
ought to do." 

Among these, one has been recently taken from us 
who was a mighty helper in the work ; this was my old 
and honoured friend, Dr. Edgar. We were associated in 
works of faith and labours of love for nearly forty years. 
He was a man of enormous mental vigour and burning 
zeal. Whatever he undertook he accomplished. He 



58 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



could do some things that no other man could do. He 
had access to all people, and had the art of engaging their 
sympathy more than any other I ever knew. His position 
as Professor of Theology left him free during the summer 
for the public work of the Church, and devotedly he 
gave himself to it. New measures were bursting out 
continually from his fervid mind, and he knew no rest or 
cessation from his toils. Often he was with me by seven 
o'clock in the morning when some new scheme had 
occurred to him and he desired to confer with me upon 
it. He had power everywhere — in assemblies, and 
presbyteries, and congregations, and families, and in- 
dividuals. Whatever he did it was with all his might. 
Yet he was simple as a child, and would either lead or be 
led as the case required. In his death I have suffered a 
great bereavement. We were nearly the same age, he 
being my senior about a year. Dr. Cooke is now also 
removed to our great bereavement. Dr. Edgar and my- 
self have been long together before the public mind. 
They are gone, and I must soon follow. God grant that, 
when removed from the Assembly that was very dear to 
us on earth, we may be united for ever in the General 
Assembly and Church of the Firstborn. 



EOYAL ACADEMICAL INSTITUTION. 



59 



CHAPTER VI. 

BELFAST PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE. 

The Royal Academical Institution — Unsatisfactory Appointment — 
Meeting in Cookstown to Consider the Matter — Speech at Cooks- 
town — Project of the Presbyterian College — It is well Received — 
Sir R. Peel Proposes a Queen's College — Negociations with Go- 
vernment — Difficulties Arise — Journey to London — The College 
Established— The Professors— Dr. Cooke— Dr. W. D. Killen— 
Dr. Murphy — Dr. Gibson — Dr. Porter — Dr. Watts — Dr. Glasgow 
— Offered the Chair of Sacred Rhetoric — Prefers to Live and Die 
in the Ministry of the Word. 

3? WAS led providentially to take an interest in this 
College from its commencement. I was educated 
principally in the Academical Institution, and was closely 
connected with it. I was one of its first students, and 
probably the first of them ordained over a congregation. 
It was natural, therefore, that I should have a concern for 
its welfare. But it was under unhappy management. It 
was in the hands of a party who governed it for their own 
purposes. Again and again they gave just offence by the 
appointment of unsuitable professors. They gave a pre- 
ference, not only to men holding erroneous doctrines, but 
to men inferior in mental and literary attainments to 
some whom they rejected. One in particular, elected in 
preference to a first-class candidate, proved to be most 
unfitting and dangerous. I had occasion to meet some of 
his students, and I saw he was exercising a most injurious 
influence over them. His philosophy was undermining 
their principles. Its legitimate effect would be the denial 



60 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



of everything — even to the existence of a soul in man. 
We remonstrated with the Governors, but in vain. He 
and his sentiments were pleasant to them. We lost all 
confidence in them and in the Institution, and determined 
to attempt a remedy, if the Lord would open our way. 

A special meeting of the Synod of Ulster was called 
at Cookstown, to consider this subject. It was not my 
intention to make any specific proposal, if any other 
brother should seem prepared to do so. I waited to see 
if anything definite was to be suggested, but it appeared 
as if all were in darkness and perplexity. I was con- 
strained to express my mind, and did so fully. I declared 
my belief that it was useless to look to the old Institu- 
tion, and that we ought to address ourselves to the 
establishment of a college for ourselves. I explained what 
I conceived it ought to be in its provisions, and how it 
ought to be governed. This speech gave us a basis to 
commence on. I was amazed at the favour and en- 
thusiasm with which it was received. The Synod adopted 
the views contained in it, and resolved to rise up and 
build. After the Synod, I wrote this speech and had it 
published in the newspapers. It was read with avidity 
and satisfaction throughout the country. The cry got up 
that the work ought to be, and could be done. Taking 
advantage of this strong feeling, and authorised to do so 
by the Synod and the committee it had appointed, I pre- 
pared a circular, and explained our plan, for both the 
college itself and the way in which funds might be ob- 
tained to erect it. The proposal contemplated accommo- 
dation for classes, houses for professors, and buildings for 
the residence of students. To make a beginning, I asked 
if there were not a hundred members of our Church who 
would each subscribe fifty pounds. I posted copies of 
this appeal to those whom I considered able to meet it. 



THE QUEEN'S COLLEGES. 



61 



Many replied, and offered their subscriptions. It was 
clear that what was asked for was about to be realised. 
Then letters began to appear in the newspapers in opposi- 
tion to the work. One clergyman of the Church of Eng- 
land, once a Presbyterian, in connexion with ourselves, 
wrote a letter, and seemed as if he were doing so by 
authority, in anticipation of something else that would 
shortly be proposed to the public. 

Shortly after, a plan was announced, by no less autho- 
rity than that of Sir Kobert Peel, in the House of Com- 
mons. It was his proposal for the establishment and 
endowment of the Queen's Colleges in Ireland. This 
arrested our proceedings. I urged that we should perse- 
vere, but our counsels were divided. " Wait," it was 
said, " until we shall see what the Government will do 
for us." The end was, that we were constrained to wait. 
When the Government plan was developed, the course 
commonly approved and recommended by our friends was, 
to embrace the advantages offered by the Queen's Colleges 
for the literary education of our students, and to provide 
our own college for their theological training. This view 
prevailed, and was finally adopted by the Assembly. I 
was then earnestly entreated to renew my efforts to pro- 
cure funds for our Presbyterian College. I saw there was 
nothing else to be done in the circumstances, and agreed 
to join with my brethren in this new enterprise. But it 
was hard to rouse again the enthusiasm of our first love. 
A distrust had gone abroad from the suspension of our 
labours. However, we persevered. The case came to be 
understood, and the present most excellent and suitable 
building was the result. The exertions of Dr. Edgar were 
great and successful. As the college was in progress of 
erection, our attention was much engaged with plans for 
its future occupancy and efficiency. We had a staff of 



62 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



professors already who had been connected with the old 
Institution, and these were to be transferred to the new 
college. But these were not all that would be needed. 
By the union of the two Synods we had two Professors 
of Theology — Dr. Hanna and Dr. Edgar ; also, we had Dr. 
Wilson, for Biblical Criticism, and Dr. Killen, for Church 
History. But these were not sufficient in the new state 
of things. The Queen's College could not supply us with 
instruction in Hebrew, or the Greek of the New Testa- 
ment, or Moral Philosophy. The old professors were 
endowed by the Government, and it was hoped a similar 
grant would be made for those needed to supplement the 
education of our students. We, therefore, determined on 
a course of education, and resolved to appeal to the 
Government for additional endowments. 

In that year (1846) I was the Moderator of the 
Assembly, and, consequently, such public duties devolved 
largely upon me. We agreed to ask for four Chairs — 
Hebrew, New Testament Greek, Ethics, and Sacred 
Ehetoric, the last to be entrusted with ministerial care of 
the students. A deputation was sent to London, consist- 
ing of Dr. Brown and myself, and we saw the Premier 
(Lord John Eussell), to whom we explained our plan, and 
he regarded it favourably as a necessary supplement to 
the Queen's College. He referred us, for future consulta- 
tion, to the Government in Ireland. Mr. Labouchere was 
the Chief Secretary, and a deputation was sent to him, 
consisting of Dr. Cooke, Dr. Stewart, James Young, Esq. 
(Ballymena), and myself. He received us most cour- 
teously, and invited us to dine with him. We had thus 
good opportunity to explain our plans to him, and he 
looked upon them favourably. It was left to me as Mode- 
rator to correspond with him, and I did so, much to my 
satisfaction. After interviews and letters, Mr. Labouchere 



ME. LABOUCHERE. 



63 



promised to have our application for the four Chairs put 
into the Irish Estimates for the year. I concluded that 
the matter was thus finally settled, and communicated 
the issue to the brethren who were entrusted with it. 
Some months, however, intervened before Parliament 
should meet. My mind was at ease, and I waited in 
expectation of a successful issue. There was then a re- 
markable man a chief clerk in Dublin Castle. He had 
constant intercourse with Mr. Labouchere. I knew him, 
and had correspondence with him, but distrusted him. I 
had not invited him to accompany me at any time to Mr. 
Labouchere. In a letter which I received from him he 
expressed his fear that the Government could not ask 
Parliament for the four Chairs. Suspicion seized me, and 
I feared he was at work to damage our prospects. I 
learned that Mr. Labouchere was in London, and, with- 
out consulting any one, I started to visit him. I had 
ready access to his office, and I told him we were living 
in the hope of an endowment for our Chairs. His reply 
was hesitating. I heard from his lips the words I had 
read in the clerk's letter. It was clear he had been 
tampered with. I inquired of Mr. Labouchere whether 
the estimates still contained the application for the Chairs, 
and he evaded a distinct reply. I was satisfied it had 
been removed from them. After the usual compliments 
I left his office. I went to my lodgings, and thence wrote 
to Mr. Labouchere, reminding him of the whole proceed- 
ings in this case, stating that I had his promise on record, 
and that I had shown it to my brethren who waited upon 
him with me, so that if there was any failure I would be 
obliged to justify myself before the Assembly. He 
favoured me with an immediate answer, assuring me 
that all was right. He carried out his promise, and the 
endowments were granted by Parliament. Some time 



64 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



after, the clerk absconded, a great defaulter, and lie has 
never since been heard of. 

Thus was our college established, and a happy union 
has since been maintained between it and the Queen's 
College. The very best education is provided, literary 
and theological. God has given us a staff of professors, 
in our Presbyterian College, equal to any in the United 
Kingdom, for right training of candidates for the mi- 
nistry. They are all my intimate friends, and I delight 
and am grateful to think of them. Dr. Cooke is there 
yet, old and infirm, but enthusiastically beloved by 
the students. * Dr. Killen has distinguished himself by 
the ripest learning, discovered in his various works, 
especially his volume on the Ancient Church. Dr. 
Murphy has earned the highest fame of a scholar by his 
volumes on Genesis and Exodus. Dr. Gibson is the 
author of the History of the Eevival in 1859, a work that 
will be a standing testimony to the " Year of Grace," 
through many generations.t Dr. Porter is a man of 
European fame. Dr. Watts has ended his first session as 
successor to Dr. Edgar, with the highest approval. I had 
the honour of moving his appointment at the last meet- 
ing of the Assembly, convened for that special purpose, 
and he was chosen unanimously. And Dr. Glasgow, 
after completing his missionary life in India, teaches the 
living Oriental languages in our two Presbyterian Colleges, 
at Derry and Belfast. For high attainments in literature, 
elevation in character, faithfulness in service, excellence 
of life, and all that is great and good, I know not any 
professors to be placed before them. The Lord has 
blessed us in them. May our students have grace to 
profit by their instructions. I was once asked and 

* He is now dead, and is succeeded by Mr. Eodgers. 
-f- Professor Wallace has succeeded Dr. Gibson. 



THE CLASS OF SACKED RHETORIC. 65 

urged to become one of them. At the opening of the 
college it was the wish of the Assembly that I should 
take the class of Sacred Khetoric, and become the minister 
of the students. But I declined. I did not think I had 
the scholarship required in a professor, and I had no 
liberty to leave my congregation. I feel satisfied that I 
am in my proper place where I am. As I have lived in 
the ministry of the Word, so I desire to die in it. My 
gifts and graces, whatever the Lord has conferred on 
me are, as I judge, for the pulpit and the parish more 
than for the professor's chair. What an honour that I 
should have been spared so long in such a work, and that 
I should have been privileged to be the minister of such 
a congregation as God has given to me in Fisherwick 
Place. 



66 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



CHAPTEE VII. 

CHURCH EXTENSION. 

Necessity for Increase of Churches — Fisherwick Place opens the way 
— May Street — Opened by Dr. Cooke — Good-will between the 
Ministers and Congregations — Origin of Townsend Street Congre- 
gation — A Liberal Landlord— Rev. Josias Wilson — Dr. Weir — 
Rev. William Johnston — -A Gratifying Explanation — Rev. John 
Brown — A Good Argument for Church Extension — Wants of 
Ballymacarrett — Rev. John Meneely — York Street — A Liberal 
Offer — Success of the Undertaking — -Rev. David Hamilton — 
Great George's Street — Remarkable History of Mr. Toye — 
Churches arising out of the Town Mission. 

HEN I call to remembrance my Belfast ministry, 
one of the most prominent subjects which at 
once presents itself is the continuous effort we have been 
constrained and enabled to make for the increase of its 
churches. It has been recorded already how it was after 
a struggle of four years that a few earnest and influential 
men succeeded in getting liberty from the Church Courts 
to build the church of Fisherwick Place ; but when that 
battle was fought and won, the way was opened for future 
efforts in the same direction. Providence made the path 
plain, and inclined many to walk in it. May Street 
Church was the first that followed Fisherwick Place, and 
it arose in this way : — Some influential members of the 
latter had been very desirous that Dr. Cooke should be 
its minister. When they found that this was not accept- 
able to the majority they gave no opposition to my settle- 
ment, but resolved peacefully to withdraw, and build a 




OPENING OF MAY STREET CHURCH. 



67 



church for Dr. Cooke. As soon as I came, and was made 
aware of their intention, I encouraged them in it, counting 
it most important that he should be in Belfast, and it was 
known that this was my view of the case. The consequence 
was that all his friends were my friends. They remained 
in the congregation, and received the same attention I 
gave to others. I was much in their houses, and enjoyed 
their friendship. They went on with their work of building 
zealously and successfully. The noble structure raised by 
them was completed within one year. Dr. Cooke opened it, 
and we closed our church while he did so. There was thus 
only one year between the commencement of his ministry 
and mine in Belfast. We are now both approaching forty 
years of labour there, and during all that period there 
never has been a misunderstanding between us ; we have 
lived in the closest personal friendship ; we have laboured 
publicly in unbroken harmony ; we have been of one 
mind in all great public questions that concerned the 
Church. Both our churches were speedily filled, and 
prospered ; there never was any rivalry between them. 
We preached for one another, and prayed and laboured 
for one another, and we have experienced how good and 
how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. 

As I prosecuted my ministry, and became more fully 
acquainted with the town and its wants, it became evident 
that a church was required in a locality where a large 
population of working people lived, and who ought to be 
accommodated at lower rates of seat-rents than prevailed 
in any of the existing churches. I spoke to Dr. Cooke on 
the subject, and he fully sympathised in my views. I 
have a distinct remembrance of having gone over to his 
house one morning to breakfast with him, and converse 
on this subject. He then lived in York Street. He gave 
his hearty consent to all that could be done to set the work 



68 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN". 



a-going. We visited the neighbourhood of Brown Street, 
and fixed our attention on a field at a little distance from 
the school-house which bears its name. It was then in 
the country, but we perceived how a street could be made 
from the Falls Koad to the Shankhill Road, and that this 
could easily be reached by another road from the school- 
house. There was some difficulty in . satisfying friends 
who were consulted that the place was not too distant 
from the town. I argued that the land was not very 
valuable there, and that we would obtain a more extended 
site than if we came closer to existing streets, and that 
soon the whole place would be covered with houses. It 
was agreed to make inquiry about the site. The landlord 
was the Rev. John Brown, who had formerly been curate 
in the Parish Church of Belfast, and then had a congre- 
gation in Aberdeen — an evangelical, earnest, and excellent 
man. I corresponded with him, and found him most 
friendly to the object. He asked me what was wanted, and 
I replied—" A site for a church, a manse, and a school- 
house." His reply was — " I am paid £3 a year for the 
ground of Dr. Hanna's Church in Rosemary Street, and I 
will give the site you ask for at the same price." It was 
in reality a gift worth several hundred pounds. The 
ground being obtained, the next step was to procure 
funds for the building. A committee was formed for 
this purpose, who went out and collected from house to 
house, and street to street, till they succeeded in obtain- 
ing what encouraged us to begin the work. In a short 
time the church was completed in Townsend Street, 
and it was opened for worship by the late Dr. Macleod, 
father of the late Norman Macleod. It was announced 
that all who took sittings in it, being members of the 
Presbyterian Church, should have a vote in the election 
of a minister. A considerable number of working people 



FRUITS OP THE WORD IN TOWNSEND STREET. 69 

took sittings. After hearing various ministers, the Eev. 
Josias Wilson, of Drogheda, was unanimously chosen. 
The church immediately filled up, and all its space was 
occupied. Soon it was enlarged, and took rank among 
the most numerous and prosperous congregations in 
Belfast. Mr. Wilson proved to be a most faithful and 
popular minister. After some years he was called to 
London, and settled in Eiver Terrace Church, Islington, 
where he died, greatly honoured and lamented. Dr. Weir 
succeeded him in Belfast, and again in London ; and Mr. 
Johnston became the minister of Townsend Street, where 
he is now maintaining a most faithful and accceptable 
ministry. 

An anecdote will illustrate the happy fruits of the 
Word in Townsend Street during the time of Mr. Wilson. 
A gentleman, a barrister, called upon me in a friendly 
visit, and in our conversation he said — " I have a charge 
to bring against you. You collected money to build a 
church for the poor in Townsend Street, but I was there 
on Sunday, and it was filled with the rich." To this I 
replied by asking — " Who are the rich whom you saw ? 
They are the poor who went there rude and shabby, but 
who have so changed their habits under the power of the 
Word that they have become well dressed and well con- 
ducted, and have been turned from roughness to gentility." 
This explanation was very gratifying to my friend. 

About the same time I was preaching a sermon for 
Dr. Candlish in old St. George's Church, Edinburgh, 
and, in illustrating the happy influence of the Gospel in 
elevating a people, I described what had taken place in a 
neighbourhood close to my own residence, having Towns- 
end Street in my view, but not naming it. When the 
service ended I went to the session-room, and on entering 
found there with Dr. Candlish and his Elders the Eev. 



70 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MOEGAIST. 



Mr. Brown, who had given the site of Townsend Street 
Church, and who had come to see me. Grasping me by 
the hand, he said — " When you were describing Townsend 
Street," for he at once recognised it, "I was going to 
jump up and cry ' I am the landlord.' " Dr. Candlish 
remarked it was a good argument for Church Extension. 

Having been thus successful, we turned our attention 
to another locality — Ballymacarrett. Dr. Cooke and 
others were accustomed to go there and preach in school- 
houses or elsewhere. We saw there was great need of 
a church : there were some in the place earnestly de- 
siring it. Dr. Cooke gave a subscription to begin. We 
went out to seek a site, and sought one from a minister 
of our Church who had property there, or, at least, 
influence to procure it. But this failed. We then applied 
to K. F. Gordon, Esq., a gentleman having land there. 
He gave a site at once, at a mere nominal rent, as Mr. 
Brown had done in Townsend Street. A committee was 
formed, subscriptions collected, and the church built. Mr. 
Meneely was chosen to be the minister. A most admirable 
one he has proved to be. He has enlarged his church 
greatly, and recently he made an application to the Pres- 
bytery to have another church built in that neighbour- 
hood, for which measures have been taken."" 

The next, erection of a church was in York Street, and 
it arose thus : — People had often been heard to say that 
one was much needed in that section of the town. One 
day, a member of my congregation (Mr. Sinclair) came to 
me, and said — "I have heard you say that there is need 
of a new church in York Street. My brother and I have 
been speaking of it, and, as our business has done well 
this season, we have agreed to offer you £150, if you will 

* This church has been completed, and is presided over by the 
Eev. Mr. Hunter. 



CONGREGATION OF YORK STREET. 



71 



undertake to build a church there, and not mention our 
names." I thanked him, and said I would think of the 
proposal. On the Sabbath that followed I mentioned to 
my congregation what had occurred, saying that I felt it 
to be my duty to make the attempt, and inviting them to 
meet me for prayer the next morning. A goodly num- 
ber came, and we set out to seek for subscriptions. We 
scarcely ceased for the next fortnight (the Sabbath ex- 
cepted) collecting from house to house, until we had ob- 
tained about £1,100. We then looked for a site in York 
Street, but could not find one. When we had almost 
despaired, and were looking at some streets in the neigh- 
bourhood, a gentleman, who was an elder in Eosemary 
Street, came to me, and said he had heard that we were 
looking for the site of a new church in York Street. I 
told him we were doing so, but could not find one. 
" Well," said he, "I have a little ground there, and if it 
will suit you, you may have it. I will give it for what 
it cost me." I examined it, found it to be what was 
wanted, and took it. The building was at once erected, 
and the Eev. David Hamilton, of Connor, was chosen to 
be the pastor. This man of God began and continued a 
ministry of singular power and fruitfulness for many 
years, until he was seized with fever, under which he 
sank, and died. His memory is embalmed in the hearts 
of hundreds who were indebted to him for many spiritual 
benefits.* 

About this time, the Rev. Thomas Toye came on a 
visit to Belfast. He had been brought up in the Episco- 
pal Church, and lived in the South of Ireland. He was 
brought under deep religious exercises when a young man. 
He had not been educated for the ministry, but he had 
received a good early education, as his father possessed 
* He is succeeded by his son, the Eev. Thomas Hamilton. 



72 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



considerable means, and was in the rank of a gentleman. 
Mr. Toye had powers of speech, and in his earnestness 
began to address the people. He associated with the 
Wesleyans for a time ; but his views were Calvinistic, and 
he connected himself more with the Independents, by 
whom he was ordained. When he came to Belfast he 
knew nothing of Presbyterianism ; but he observed it 
there, and became acquainted with its ministers, and was 
invited by them to preach. His services were acceptable, 
and in the end he expressed a desire to be united with us. 
He read the Westminster Confession of Faith, and ap- 
proved of it. He studied the form of Church government 
bound up with it, and considered it to be scriptural. He 
then offered himself to the Presbytery, and was accepted. 
Under its sanction he hired a place for preaching. Many 
attended at his services, and I offered to assist him in 
getting up a church. Dr. Edgar aided us specially in 
this work. It was successful, and thus we have the 
church in Great George's Street. I need not go farther 
in this enumeration of Belfast churches. The spirit 
which erected them continued and increased. Church 
extension is growing and developing more and more. In 
connexion with the Town Mission several have been built, 
as in Albert Street, where a lady gave the site on favour- 
able terms. Eglinton Street also had its origin in the same 
way ; its minister being first a missionary, then ordained 
in Alfred Place, and eventually going out for increased 
accommodation to his present church. 

We have some churches also that have been built 
chiefly by private individuals at their own expense, as 
memorial churches, bearing the names of deceased friends, 
such as the Sinclair Seaman's Church and the Ekenhead 
Church. In other cases, as new localities have been filled 
with houses, friends have been raised up to originate new 



CHURCH EXTENSION. 



73 



churches ; such are Belmont, Duncairn, and Elm wood. In 
these three cases, the persons most concerned were office- 
bearers in Fisherwick Place — two being elders, and one 
a deacon. I encouraged them in this work, though at the 
expense of their leaving my ministry. I considered it to 
be their duty to go, and told them so. They went, and 
all these churches are blessed with good ministers, and 
are prospering. It was expected that this secession from 
Fisherwick Place would weaken us, and reduce our con- 
tributions to Missions and other good objects, but this has 
not proved to be the case. Our numbers are larger than 
before ; so are our contributions. " There is that scattereth, 
and yet increaseth." We have found it to be so, and can 
confirm this assurance. The spirit of Church extension 
is thus becoming more and more vigorous. The Belfast 
Presbytery is encouraging it greatly. A report was re- 
cently brought into it by Dr. Knox and Mr. Johnston, 
recommending that sites be secured for several new 
churches. The public mind has been thoroughly imbued 
with this spirit. Merchants are offering large sums for 
church building. As I see what has been done and what 
is purposed to be done, I could almost adopt the words 
of Simeon, and say — " Now lettest Thou Thy servant 
depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation." 
Let our friends remember the motto of Glasgow, and say 
— " Belfast shall prosper by the preaching of the Word." 



74 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN". 



CHAPTEE VIIL 

FISHERWICK PLACE. 

The Elders — Quarterly Meetings — Meetings for Prayer — Concord — 
The Deacons — Good Financial State of the Congregation — Free- 
dom from Debt — Harmony — Prayer when Entering on his Ministry 
at Fisherwick Place — The Sabbath Schools — An Experiment in 
Clothing — Great Success — Originating other Schools — Class for 
Intending Communicants — The Sabbath School a Nursery for the. 
Church — The Members of the Church — Frequent observance of 
the Lord's Supper profitable — Baptism — Commencement of Public 
Baptism — Prayer Meetings — Family Visitation — The Sick — The 
Congregation — Concord — Liberality. 

AME dear to me ! What thoughts arise in my 
mind while I look at it. Many tender memories 
are stirred — the association of nearly forty years (now 
forty-four) of constant labour, in public and private. 
Truly, I may say, " Goodness and mercy have followed 
me all the days of my life." Lord help me to think of 
these memories profitably, and to record Thy loving 
kindness. I have reason to do so, in all the relations into 
which Fisherwick Place has brought me. 

THE ELDERS. 

These naturally come before me, from the closeness 
and constancy of my intimacy with them. At the be- 
ginning of the congregation we had no elders. A period 
of four years elapsed before any were appointed. It was 
thought best to see our way clearly before so serious a 




APPOINTMENT OF ELDERS. 



75 



step was taken. At length the time seemed to be come. 
Several who were thought suitable were applied to ; but 
there was great reluctance to undertake so solemn a trust. 
Some who were earnestly invited continued to refuse. In 
the end (1833) four consented — Eobert Allen, Henry 
Black, Alexander Dickey, and James Herdman. They 
were publicly set apart, but not according to our present 
usage. They were not ordained by the laying on of 
hands, and the Shorter Catechism alone was the profes- 
sion of their faith. The Church, at that period, was not 
ripe for more, and neither the law nor the practice re- 
quired more, if so much. Mr. Allen was a godly man, 
rich in Christian experience, and most pleasant and pro- 
fitable to us while he lived. After a few years he died of 
fever. His daughter was the wife of Mr. Kerr, one of our 
first missionaries to the heathen. Mr. Black is still alive, 
but infirm, and has not been equal to any active duty for 
some time."" He was long a useful and most agreeable 
associate, a man of prayer and piety. Mr. Dickey is with 
us still, active and earnest to do good. He has served his 
day and generation well.f Mr. Herdman was only a short 
time in Belfast. He went to live near his place of busi- 
ness at Strabane, and so became disconnected with us, 
but while he remained he was much esteemed and beloved. 
In the progress of time (1837) two brethren were added 
to the Session — Charles Thomson and Thomas Sinclair. 
In them there was a great accession to our strength. Mr. 
Thomson was the chief founder of the congregation. He 
was greatly honoured and beloved by all its members. 
Mr. Sinclair was most useful : a man of great energy and 
largeness of heart. Both of these are now dead. Our 
next appointments (in 1847 and 1856) consisted of David 

* He died in 1872. 

■J- In the year 1872, he also died. 



76 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



Taylor, William M'Neill, John Workman, John Lytle, 
Charles Finlay, William L. Finlay, Samuel Lyle, James 
Guthrie, John Murray, and Thomas M'Clure. These ad- 
ditions, with those still spared to us, made a strong band, 
and much and blessed has been our intercourse. Mr. Taylor 
is a most amiable and generous man, ready to every good 
work ; Mr. M'Neill is a thoughtful, devout, constant, and 
conscientious member of session, taking his part always 
in the best spirit. Mr. Workman, who died greatly 
lamented a short time ago, was like him. They were 
most intimate friends. Mr. Lytle is a most energetic, 
able, thoughtful, and helpful brother. He was Mayor 
of Belfast three successive years.""' Mr. Charles Finlay 
is my son-in-law — the most trusted friend I have ever 
had beyond my own house, and the most perfect man of 
whom I have ever had any knowledge. Mr. William 
Laird Finlay is his brother, and like him in all respects. 
His services to us are beyond all our commendation. 
These brothers are the nephews of Mr. Charles Thomson, 
and grandsons of one of the most venerable and admirable 
ministers that ever belonged to the Presbyterian Church 
— the late Eev. John Thomson, of Carnmoney. Mr. Lyle 
was one of the humblest, best, and most useful of men. 
He died some years ago. Mr. Guthrie is a wise, good, 
steadfast brother, always to be reckoned on and found in 
his place. John Murray was godly from his youth, and 
died at an early age at Eostrevor, where he was the 
principal founder of the congregation presided over by 
my son,, the Eev. Thomas Morgan. Thomas M'Clure was 
a most consistent" office-bearer while he remained with us, 
but he got a church built at Belmont, and went there.t 

* He died in 1872. 

f Mr. M'Clure is now member of Parliament for the town of 
Belfast. 



APPOINTMENT OF DEACONS. 



77 



We met in session every Sabbath morning, and 
prayer was conducted by one of the elders before I went 
to the pulpit. We had a quarterly meeting, in the week 
before the dispensation of the Lord's Supper, to read 
over the roll of the names of communicants, and for 
whatever might be necessary on this review. It is the 
usual practice also for one or two of the elders to conduct 
the devotional exercises of prayer and singing at our con- 
gregational prayer-meeting on the Wednesday evenings. 
There has never been a discomfort in our session. We 
have dwelt in the unity of brethren : concord and sym- 
pathy have universally prevailed. I cannot tell how 
much I owe to my elders. They have been brothers to 
me and friends, and I count them a precious boon which 
the Lord alone could bestow. We are now contemplating 
an addition to their number. Lord, direct us as Thou 
hast done in other times and in similar circumstances. 
All our elders, with the exception of those first appointed, 
declared their adherence to the Westminster Confession 
of Faith at the time of their ordination, and the last six 
were also set apart by the imposition of hands.* 

THE DEACONS. 

For some years the pecuniary affairs of the congrega- 
tion were managed by a committee appointed for that 
purpose, but we considered that the office of deacon ought 
to be revived. It is scriptural, and ought to be, like the 
eldership, permanent. A number of persons were selected 
and publicly appointed ; these were divided into sub- 
committees, each having charge of its own special duty, 
while all met together on any common question. We 
had the committee for psalmody, for the regulation of 
pews, for the care of the buildings, and for whatever it 

* Rev. Dr. Watts, Rev. Dr. Glasgow, Eev. John Kinghan, and 
Mr. Matthew Patteson were added to the session in 1868. 



78 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



was found necessary thus to care for, such as the congre- 
gational library, or anything affecting the well-being of 
the place. In this way everything has been kept orderly, 
and all has been conducted serviceably. To this arrange- 
ment we are much indebted for the good financial state of 
the congregation. When I came to it there was a heavy 
burthen of debt, but it has all been paid long ago. Not 
only so : the ground on which all our buildings stand — 
church, manse, and school-house — came into the hands 
of the Commissioners for the Sale of Encumbered Estates, 
and was purchased by the congregation. We have, there-' 
fore, no rent or any other charge to pay. Great liberality 
has thus also been exercised toward myself. The first 
promise of support made to me was £200 a year, and this 
was increased from time to time to £250, £300, £350, 
and latterly £500 a year. The seat-rents have been 
sufficient to meet the ordinary demands, but whenever 
more was needed it was at once cheerfully paid by the 
conoTeo-ation. We have had no trouble in the matter of 
money. All have worked harmoniously, and there never 
was a dispute among the deacons any more than among the 
elders. I never attended their meetings unless specially 
requested for some particular purpose. The elders and 
deacons frequently meet together when there is a subject 
to be considered in which they have a common interest. 
Here again I am overwhelmed with thankfulness when I 
think what blessings God bestowed upon us in the unity 
and wisdom and faithfulness of the deacons He has given 
to the congregation. 

PRAYER ON ENTERING ON HIS MINISTRY IN FISHERWICK PLACE. 
TAKEN FROM THE JOURNAL (1828). 

" Most high God, whose providence extendeth over all, Thou 
hast called me, I believe, to exercise the ministry of Thy Son 
in this place. Suffer me to worship Thee as my God and Savi- 



PRAYER ON ENTERING MINISTRY IN BELFAST. 79 



our, and to cast myself on Thy protection and guidance and 
blessing. I thank Thee, God, that Thou hast revealed Thy 
will in Christ Jesus; that this revelation has been brought to 
me ; that Thou hast opened my eyes to understand it ; that Thou 
hast called me to the high and honourable office of preaching it ; 
and I adore and submit to the Wisdom that has called me to 
preach it in circumstances so responsible and important. My 
utter insufficiency for these duties I deeply feel and freely acknow- 
ledge. I have no power, and cannot preach of myself, nor, if I 
preach, make it profitable ; yet do I not fear to obey Thy call, 
and undertake the task to which Thou hast chosen me, for I 
believe Thy Word — that, as my day is, so shall my strength be. 
God, be my wisdom, my strength, and my salvation ! May it 
please Thee to give me strength of body for my work, that Thy 
cause may not suffer through my inefficiency. May it please 
Thee to animate me with zeal to spend all the strength I have 
for Thee ; and, to this end, grant to me an abiding impression of 
the worth of men's souls, of the efficacy of the Gospel under the 
Divine blessing for the conversion of their hearts to Thee. Lord, 
open my way among those people with whom I shall have more 
immediately to do. Incline their hearts to hearken to my words, 
and may those words ever be the dictation of Thy Holy Spirit. 
Gracious Father, enable me so to conduct myself before them, 
both in public and in private, that I shall recommend Thy Word 
to them alike by my precept and example ; and may it in mercy 
please Thee to give Thy Truth success ; and may I live to see it 
owned for the conversion of some, yea, many, who shall wait on 
my ministry ; and may the time arrive when I shall be able, as 
Thou, Lord, hast graciously granted unto me in other places, to 
look with delight on converted sinners who have become my 
crown and my joy. Lord, direct me in my intercourse with 
the society of this place. Wherever I am, may I approve myself 
a minister of Christ, in the sanctuary, in the family, in private 
converse, and in public duties. Oh, condescend to acknowledge 
me, unworthy as I am, as an instrument to build up Zion, to 
draw the attention of many to the things of religion, to excite a 
spirit of inquiry and zeal, and to bring sinners to the Lamb of 
God, that He may take away their sins. God, I am weak — 
make me strong ; I am ignorant — instruct Thou me ; I am foolish 



80 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



— make me wise unto salvation, and wise to win souls to Christ. 
Glorify Thyself in me, Lord, and in the ministry of Thy Word 
entrusted to me. Enable me, God, in much humility, to study 
the advancement of those who are my brethren in the ministry 
in this place in knowledge, holiness, devotedness, and zeal. Own 
me, I pray Thee, in being useful to those young men who are 
here prosecuting the studies that may fit them, by Thy blessing, 
for the ministry of the Gospel. Guide and bless me, that I 
may be the means of extending and making more effectual 
those public institutions that are intended for the promotion of 
true religion ; and grant, God of all grace, that, for Thine own 
glory, Thy Word may be so owned in my hands that in this town 
and neighbourhood pure and undefiled religion shall be exten- 
sively promoted. This, my prayer, I present to Thee in the name 
of J esus. Lord, hear me for His sake, and through Him will I 
render unto Thee, now and for ever, the kingdom, the power, and 
the glory. Amen." 

THE SABBATH SCHOOLS. 

These have been a great agency among us. They 
began in the small room at the rere of the church, and 
some are yet labouring who commenced with the first 
meeting there. In a very short time it was found too 
small, and the window-seats in the gallery of the church 
were occupied. A successful effort was then made to 
build the large school-house on the corner of the ground. 
The upper room of it was the only one occupied for some 
years, but at length it was found necessary to fit up and 
use the room beneath also. It was filled by the teachers 
going out and seeking for neglected children in the lanes 
and streets. It was a rule not to admit any child who 
was already connected with any other Sabbath-school. 
When they were gathered in, many were found to be 
dirty, and almost naked. I told the congregation from 
the pulpit of their condition, and asked them to send any 
children's clothes they could spare. A large quantity 



THE SABBATH SCHOOLS. 



81 



was sent, and the destitute were all clothed. The next 
Sabbath day the room was empty. The clothes had all 
been pawned by the parents, and the children would 
not come without them. They were visited again, and 
brought back in their own costume, and were taught 
in it. They got no new temptations to be taken away. 
They remained without it, improved by degrees, and were 
helped when the times and circumstances justified it. 
Both rooms were entirely occupied. An infant school 
was afterwards added in a small apartment over the stair- 
case. A class for the blind was taught by Mr. M'Combe, 
in the Session-room, and an adult class has been con- 
ducted for many years in the old room where all our 
operations began. There have thus been about one hun- 
dred teachers employed every Sabbath. And who can 
calculate the results ? I believe that a blessed work 
has been carried on there. The conversion of the 
souls of the children has been sought, and many have 
there been added to the Lord. There are teachers yet 
in the schools who have been there from the first, such as 
Mr. Vance. 

Besides these schools and their teachers, it is also to be 
noticed that many of our church members are teaching in 
other schools. Some have their own schools in both the 
town and country. Others attend and labour in the schools 
that are most convenient to them. Altogether the con- 
gregation furnishes about two hundred teachers, male and 
female. What helpers are these ! Who can estimate the 
result of their instructions ! How good for themselves ! 
How beneficial to others ! The church and the school 
have thus wrought harmoniously and successfully in the 
one blessed work. 



G 



82 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



THE CLASS FOR YOUNG COMMUNICANTS. 

This is placed after the Sabbath-schools, because it 
has ever been chiefly supplied out of them. I hold it 
every Sabbath evening, at the close of the schools. Those 
are invited to attend who have not yet been communi- 
cants, but may desire to be instructed on the subject of 
the Lord's Supper. The class assembles on the evening of 
the Sabbath succeeding to that on which the Supper has 
been received, and the course of instruction is continued 
weekly for a quarter of a year, when the next communion 
season arrives. The attendance varies from twenty to 
fifty, according to the season of the year. Only a few of 
those in attendance come to the Table — not more than a 
fourth at one time. They generally desire to attend two 
or three or more quarters. But it is from this source that 
our communicants are largely supplied. The Sabbath- 
school has been truly the nursery of the Church. I have 
great reason to bless God for their close and serviceable 
connexion. 

THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH. 

I understand by these, the communicants. It may be 
noted that the first celebration of the Lord's Supper in 
Fisherwick Place was attended by 364 persons, of whom 
there remain not more than twenty, if so many. They 
are almost all dead. Solemn thought for me, who must 
give account for those souls. The roll now amounts to 
more than 800. When I came to Belfast the Lord's 
Supper was observed twice a year in 'the other churches ; 
but we began with it quarterly, and have continued the 
practice. I bless God that we were led to do so. Our 
communions have been seasons of great refreshing from 
the presence of the Lord. No part of my ministry has 
been more blessed than this, if so much. I have been 



PUBLIC BAPTISM. 



83 



accustomed to say that perhaps no season passes without 
some conversions and much profit ; I mean either at the 
time of the ordinance, or at some of the services connected 
with it. The Supper puts great honour on Christ, and, 
therefore, the Holy Spirit puts honour on it. For is it 
not His office to glorify Christ ? Surely the ordinance of 
the Supper is most fitted to be thus serviceable ; the 
previous exercises of self-examination and meditation, and 
reading the Scriptures and prayer ; then the solemnities 
of the Table itself, and the services that follow. In the 
Presbyterian Church, the Lord's Supper furnishes the 
great means for the revival of religion. What would it 
be without this ? God blesses it not merely to the com- 
municants, but to the onlookers. It is often spoken of as 
not an ordinance of conversion, but for the converted ; and 
this is true, inasmuch as none others can profitably partake 
of it. Yet this is a time when we should seek and expect 
large outpouring of the Spirit, in both the edification of 
believers and the conversion of sinners. I bless God that 
I have reason to think He has so honoured it among us. 

BAPTISM. 

When I came to Belfast, baptism was not administered 
publicly, so far as I know, in any church of the Synod 
of Ulster. The first instance of it was the baptism of my 
second son, James. Dr. Cooke and I agreed to introduce 
the practice, and this was the way we did it : — He 
preached in his own church, and announced that there 
would be a public baptism in mine. He shortened his 
service, and came over with a number of his people. I 
concluded my discourse on the subject, and Dr. Cooke 
baptised the child. The beginning was auspicious. It 
was noticed in the newspapers as something out of the 
way, and attracted attention. From that time the practice 



84 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



has prevailed among us almost universally. Not alto- 
gether universally ; for in some instances it would not 
be practicable. In such cases, however, I do not, if pos- 
sible, go to the house of the parents. The child is brought 
to the Session-room, and the ordinance is administered 
there. A great reformation has been effected by the dis- 
continuance of private baptism, and much good effected 
by its public administration. I bless G-od that in this I 
have had almost no trouble ; but that the people have, 
without scruple, followed the custom of the place. 

PRAYER MEETINGS. 

Our principal weekly meetings have been on the even- 
ings of Mondays or Wednesdays. These are not continued 
all the season ; but interrupted for the Summer months, 
as the people are then largely out of town. They have 
been very profitable to many. A difficulty is now arising 
from the great changes in the residences of the people. 
Formerly, almost all lived in the town ; but business is 
driving them out. Houses cannot be got near its centre, 
all being occupied as shops or offices. Many are thus 
shut out entirely, living at distances of from one mile to 
seven miles. There is, however, in some instances a 
happy compensation for this evil. Families are getting 
up meetings on their own grounds, or near their residences. 
They get houses built for Sabbath-schools and prayer 
meetings. I have gone to several of these occasionally, 
and have seen that great good may be wrought by them. 
God can turn every change and circumstance to benefit. 
This is a day of change. There is danger in it, too ; but 
we may confidently trust in that Providence and grace 
which will make all things to work together for good. 
We need to be watchful and earnest in supplication that 
the evil may be hindered and the good accomplished. 



THE VISITATION OF THE SICK. 



85 



FAMILY VISITATION. 

For many years it was my custom to announce from 
the pulpit, on the Sabbath, where and when I would visit 
during the week. Then the people lived in the town, and 
great good arose from this habit of visitation. It led to 
intimacy between the minister and the families of his 
charge. I knew the parents, and the children, and the 
servants, and could speak a word to each and all. But 
this course is now sadly hindered. I could not pursue it 
latterly. The families live scattered over an area of twelve 
miles. Were I to go to their houses I would find the fathers 
away at their offices, and the children at school. I have 
tried to go for breakfast to as many as I can, and to meet 
the difficulty in other ways ; but they are not so efficient 
as the old paths, which I remember with thankfulness, 
and would be glad to prosecute still, if it were possible. 

THE VISITATION OF THE SICK. 

This has always been, and is now, one of my most 
serious, arduous, and constant labours. I could occupy 
my whole time with it most profitably. Had I no other 
ministry, it would be sufficient to engage me. I have 
sometimes had as many as fifty sick people on my list ; but 
this not often, save in times of epidemic. I have often 
visited fifteen sick persons in a day. Many that I can see 
only once in the week I would like to see daily ; but this is 
impossible. God has greatly blessed this attention to the 
sick. "Within a few weeks I have been gladdened by three 
hopeful conversions of the dying. I delight in this work. 
I prefer the sick chamber to the marriage feast. There is 
positive enjoyment in the sympathy of the sick. It is so 
like Christ. The service is so simple — to talk and pray 
with those in prospect of death and eternity is so be- 
fitting an ambassador for Christ that I feel myself then 



86 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



in my proper place. The elders aid me here ; but still it 
is the minister's presence that is expected and desired. 
The man who teaches in public is he who can speak best 
in private. The elders are greatly occupied in their own 
business, and, now especially, the distances to be travelled 
render it hard for them to go to the sick. Here again 
changes and hindrances are arising with the revolution 
in our population ; but God is over them all. I have no 
doubt He will show Himself in them, and turn them to 
the spread of His kingdom. May He give us a good 
understanding of the times and seasons, which are all in 
His own power, and teach us what we ought to do. 
Lord, send forth Thy light and Thy Truth, and may they 
lead us in right paths ! 

THE CONGREGATION. 

I understand by the congregation all who attend the 
services of the Sabbath, old and young, seat-holders or 
strangers — all who occupy our pews. To me this has 
been a subject of deepest interest, and there has been the 
putting forth of my strength. What associations I have 
with these weekly gatherings ! The congregation has been 
always very numerous. Except in the three Summer 
months, the church has been filled. There is not a sitting 
at present to be let. Not only has the attendance been 
numerous, but constant ; morning and afternoon the pews 
were filled by the same persons. Latterly there has been 
a falling off in the afternoon, owing to the great distances 
of residence. Sooner or later there will need to be some 
change in our arrangements for the times of service. 

Especially I call to remembrance, with great thank- 
fulness, the peace and harmony of the congregation. 
There never was a dispute in it. I can ascribe this only 
to the sovereign grace of God. How the deacons and 



FISHERWICK PLACE CONTRIBUTIONS. 



87 



elders and people have drawn together — none hindering, 
but all helping one another ! Truly God hath been to us 
the Author of peace and the Giver of concord. And what 
shall I say of their generosity ? It has been marvellous 
toward myself personally, and better far toward the cause 
of Christ. Their annual collections toward the various 
Missions have been munificent — from £100 to £400, and 
the largest £480. Nor have these sums been contributed 
once merely or occasionally, but annually, and throughout 
an unbroken series of about thirty years, in prosperous 
seasons and the opposite, rising with the former, and 
seldom falling with the latter. In harmony with these 
annual contributions, the occasional efforts of the congre- 
gation have been very great — for the first Church and 
Manse Fund nearly £5,000, paid in annual instalments of 
£1,000 for five years ; for the second Church and Manse 
and School Fund, £3,000, now to be paid in like annual 
instalments (all now paid) ; and so various other collec- 
tions, such as those made for the Bi- centenary Fund, for 
the Free Church of Scotland at the time of the disruption, 
and others of a similar kind. All this has been done in 
the quietest and simplest way — no noise, or parade, or 
boasting that I know of. 

What hath God wrought ! He hath done it, and the 
glory shall be His. Never had minister more reason to 
be thankful than I have. " The lines have fallen to me 
in pleasant places, and I have a goodly heritage." How 
great my accountability ! One thing I should have noticed 
in the matter of generosity more particularly — how the 
congregation gave for the erection of new churches, even 
when our own was under heavy debt. To York Street 
Church our people gave in subscriptions about £800, at 
a time when we owed several thousand pounds for our 
own. The idea seems never to have been entertained 



88 



LIFE AJSTD TIMES OF DK. MORGAN. 



that we must first get clear of our own obligations before 
we assisted others. Both were done, and both at the 
same time, and now we owe no man anything, and are 
in the best condition to help every righteous cause. Lord, 
teach us to know the day of our gracious visitation, and 
to walk worthy of it. 



HIS PUBLICATIONS. 



89 



CHAPTER IX. 

MYSELF. 

Publications — Loss of Memor} T — Practises Eeading Discourses — 
Advice of Dr. Wardlaw — Extracts from " Journal" — Wednesday 
Evening Lectures — Prefers Free Speaking — Opening of York 
Street Church — A Delicate Child — Love for Horses — Accident at 
Portrush — Other Dangers — Attacks of Sickness — Goes to Harro- 
gate — Habits : Right to Contemplate these — Frugality — " Owe no 
Man Anything" — Household Economy — Industry — Diligence at 
College — In Carlow — In Lisburn — Result, 5,000 Discourses — 
Family Visitation — The Sick — Habit of Breakfasting with the 
People — Temperance — His Father's House — Gives up punch — 
Incident in Lisburn — Movement Introduced by Dr. Edgar — 
Commits himself to the Cause — Effects in the Congregation. 

3fiJ|£Y first publication ought to have been a memorial 
J^Jt of my dear brother John ; but, as I went to Carlow 
at the time of his death, and my whole strength had to 
be given to prepare my sermons, I was unable to attempt 
anything beyond them ; but it has always been a source 
of regret to me that I had not thus honoured his memory. 
My first publication was a pastoral letter to the congre- 
gation of Lisburn, on the close of the first year of my 
ministry there. It was a general statement of evangelical 
doctrine and duty, and a summary of my ministry in that 
place. It was well received, and, I believe, was useful. 
Some other ministers followed the example. I published 
also, while in Lisburn, a sermon on Missions, from Matt, 
xxviii. 19. It was prepared to be delivered in Dr. 
Hanna's Church, in Belfast, on behalf of the London Mis- 



90 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DE. MORGAN. 



sionary Society, and the attention it had excited led to 
its publication. After this I published discourses from 
time to time — " Hints on the Lord's Supper," " Keflec- 
tions on the Death of the Eev. Thomas Leslie," " Keflec- 
tions on the Death of William Cochrane," " A Letter to 
the Proprietors of the Ulster Eailway," " To the Church 
of America on the subject of Slavery," " An Address to 
Sabbath-school Teachers," " Thoughts on the Famine of 
1846," besides a number of tracts on various subjects. 
My first publication in the form of a volume was, " Essays 
on the Principal Doctrines and Duties of the Gospel." 
The next was, " Lessons for Parents and Sabbath-school 
Teachers." Then came, at intervals, " The Lord's Supper," 
" The Penitent," " The Hidden Life," " Eome and the 
Gospel," " The Scripture Testimony to the Holy Spirit," 
and " Lectures on the First Epistle of John." 

Several of these volumes, not all, arose out of the 
circumstance that about the end of the year 1852 I lost 
my memory twice or thrice in the pulpit, so that I became 
afraid to trust myself there, and got into the habit of 
writing out my sermons more fully and perfectly than I 
had been accustomed to do, and of reading them to the 
congregation. This practice I continued for about seven 
years, and would probably have continued it to the 
end of my ministry had it not been for the gracious 
Eevival of 1859. When that memorable year came, 
the services, especially the meetings for prayer and 
exposition of the Scriptures, became so -numerous that 
I could not prepare written addresses. I began to 
speak without writing, beyond an outline of that 
which I purposed to say. At first I found considerable 
difficulty. For more than thirty years from the com- 
mencement of my ministry I had not found any difficulty 
in free speaking in public ; then, for seven years, I could 



DR. WARD LAW'S ADVICE. 



91 



not venture to speak without reading what I had to say ; 
but, when forced to try, the habit of free speech gradually 
returned. The power strengthened, and became greater 
than it had been originally ; and now, for the last nine 
years, I have had more facility in speaking than I ever 
had at any previous time. 

Dr. Wardlaw used sometimes to preach for me. He 
read his sermons, and we conversed about the habit. He 
told me he had not read for the first ten years of his 
ministry, and was led to do so by his controversy with 
Yates on Socinianism. Having begun he could never 
lay aside the practice. It had taken from him, he said, 
almost entirely the power of speaking freely, and he gave 
me the advice to avoid the habit of reading my sermons. 
Still I can trace the hand of a gracious God in the in- 
firmity which compelled me for a time to read my dis- 
courses. It constrained me to write. I had, perhaps, 
too great facility formerly in speaking. It was well that 
I should learn not to trust in it. So I wrote and read 
my two sermons weekly. Thus my manuscripts multi- 
plied. When I had them carefully written out, the 
thought of publishing some of them occurred to me now 
and again. Yet I was not in any haste. They lay by 
me for many years. At length the desire to put before 
my brethren in the ministry the full testimony of the 
Scriptures to the Holy Spirit became stronger. Some of 
those in the ministry urged me to publish. It was in this 
way my first large volume came to the press. 

I had reason to think this book had been useful, and 
was encouraged to attempt another, similar to it. Hav- 
ing written and delivered a series of lectures on the first 
Epistle of John, I felt a desire to give a volume to my 
congregation, as the former had been designed more 
especially for ministers, and so was led to that publica- 



92 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



tion. There still remains an immense amount of manu- 
script in my desk, but I do not intend to publish any 
more of it. I am thankful for having been permitted to 
publish the volumes already named. I wish them to 
remain as a testimony to the truth, as understood and 
taught by the first minister of Fisherwick Place. I trust 
they have not given an uncertain sound, and pray that 
it may be my privilege and honour to have it said of me 
that thus, " He being dead, yet speaketh ;" for "I de- 
termined not to know anything among you but Jesus 
Christ, and Him crucified." 

THE FOLLOWING EXTRACTS FE0M " THE JOURNAL " THROW LIGHT 
ON THE FOREGOING " RECOLLECTIONS," AND ARE, THEREFORE, 
INTRODUCED HERE. — Ed. 

"April 20th, 1839. — Yesterday I returned from Scotland, 
having attended the Synod of Dumfries, where I was most 
kindly received, and God enabled me to advocate the cause 
entrusted to me with success. Tor this I thank Him, and for 
all the tender care exercised over me during my journey. I 
have been much importuned to attend the next meeting of the 
General Assembly in Edinburgh, that I may there state the case 
of our mission, as at Dumfries. I think of going, and humbly 
trust in God that He will open my way there also, and enable 
me to advocate the cause of my Church and my country. 
Surely most undeserved honour is put on me in being thus 
permitted to stand forward in so good a cause. £ What am I, 
Lord, or what my father's house, that Thou hast brought me 
hitherto V Lord, humble me, and keep me very low before 
Thee ; and may I feel my nothingness at all times. I look to 
Thee for wisdom and strength, and will trust in Thee for all I 
need, now and ever. 

" On my return I found many answers to a printed paper 
which had been circulated among the members of the congrega- 
tion, calling their attention to the debt on our church, and 
appealing to them to assist in liquidating it. The proposal has 
been most kindly received. Several hundred pounds have 



EXTRACT FROM JOURNAL. 



93 



already been contributed, and I indulge the hope that some- 
thing considerable may be done. Lord, I thank Thee for 
the spirit of liberality which Thou hast shed abroad on the 
people. Last year they gave £800 to York Street, besides 
several hundred pounds to other places, amounting in all to no 
less than £1,000. Shortly after there was noticed an unusual 
outpouring of the Spirit of God in the conversion of sinners. 
Lord, grant it may be so now ! Pour out a generous spirit on 
the people, and do Thou reward it graciously in blessings upon 
their own souls. — Amen." 

" May Jfih, 1839. — On Wednesday evening last I commenced 
a course of lectures on the Acts of the Apostles. Oh that God 
may be pleased to prosper this undertaking! The lectures on 
Eomans continued for more than a year, and I trust were not 
altogether unprofitable. Many seemed to be grateful for them, 
and, it is hoped, not without reason. Grant, Lord, that the seed 
thus sown may grow in many hearts, and bring forth much fruit. 
And now let it please Thee to be with me in this new under- 
taking. Lord, afford me health and opportunity for it, and 
pleasure in it, and profit from it. It is to me a most delightful 
exercise to prepare for my pulpit services. I have felt it to be 
specially so since I gave up writing out my discourses. There 
was then too much of a mechanical drudgery : it is now com- 
pletely intellectual and spiritual. In confining myself to brief 
notes, my subject is as well studied as it ever was, and I am much 
better prepared to preach. This, however, has arisen as the result 
of a long-continued and well-formed habit of writing. Had I 
attempted at my first setting out to preach as I do now, I would 
certainly have completely failed ; but, having formed the habit of 
writing and speaking with some accuracy and fluency, I think my 
present mode of preparation the best. Certainly the fruits have, 
by God's grace, been more abundant. I believe there has been a 
revival in the congregation. A large number have been brought 
under much concern. My own son continues one of this number. 
O Lord, I do praise Thee and will trust in Thee, for bringing 
this work to completion in him and in others. To-morrow I 
preach on 'Unbelief,' how it hinders the awakened soul from 
embracing Christ, and have had much satisfaction in preparing 



94 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



this discourse. Lord, help me to deliver it, and bless it abun- 
dantly, for Christ's sake. — Amen." 

" October 19th, 1839.— To-morrow York Street Church is to 
be opened for public worship — the services by Dr. Cooke, Mr. 
Wilson, and myself. This is a happy circumstance. It is truly 
refreshing to see these churches raised ; and the manner in which 
this work has been done is delightful. It was set on foot by the 
generous offer of one friend, and in a few weeks about £1,200 
were collected. But now that the church is erected, other anxie- 
ties arise. Will the Lord send a faithful minister, and incline 
the hearts of the people to hear ? All depends on His grace and 
blessing. I intend to deliver my first discourse in it from 
Exodus xl. 34 — ' The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.' 
may it be so at this time ! Lord, do Thou enter into that 
place as Thy rest. May some souls to-morrow feel Thy power 
and presence ! Lord, manifest Thyself to many as Thou dost 
not unto the world. May it be a day long to be remembered, not 
merely as interesting in its exercises, but by saving impressions 
that shall never pass away being made on many souls ! And 
Thou who hast the hearts of all men in Thy hand, do Thou send 
to that place a pastor after Thine own heart. Hitherto G-od has 
been most gracious in supplying our new churches with fitting 
men. May the same grace be extended to York Street ! Holy 
Father, I commend this place and the interests of religion there 
to Thee. May it be the birth-place of many souls who shall 
shine as bright stars in heaven for ever, through Christ. — Amen." 

MYSELF. 

I am now (1867) in my sixty-ninth year, and my 
long life is to me a marvel. I was born a very feeble in- 
fant. My grandmother once said to me, — " James, when 
you were born you were not worth the lifting." I was 
the smallest of my mother's children. Through my child- 
hood and youth I had a very delicate appearance, yet I 
became a very active boy. I could run, and leap, and 
play with any boys of my age. I was a favourite with 
them, and had many intimate and much-endeared com- 



ACCIDENT AT PORTRUSH. 



95 



panions. In early life I had an extraordinary passion for 
horses, and rode well. When my kind father went from 
home he brought me a book called " Dick, the Pony," be- 
cause he knew it would be a great delight to me, and such 
it truly was. I was often in great danger from horses, 
having no fear of them, but followed them in the fairs, 
and became a good judge of their qualities. I remember 
once, when in my boyhood, looking at a number of horses 
in a yard, where a jockey had brought them, and ex- 
pressing my opinion very freely upon them, noticing their 
good and bad points. The jockey came over to me, and 
said — " Where did you get such knowledge of horses ?" 
I had it by a kind of instinct, and to this day delight 
in the horse. Yet my life was often endangered by riding. 
I have fallen over and over again ; but somehow, by a 
kind Providence, have never been seriously hurt. I had 
also a great taste for bathing, and early became a good 
swimmer. Thus, also, my life was in peril. When I was 
about thirteen years old my father took me with him to 
Portrush. One day I was on the top of Eamoan Hill, 
and crept down the surface of it, where it overhung the 
deep water, near the quay. Having got to the bottom, 
within a yard of the water, I found a ledge of rock, on 
which I sat down, and gazed long at its mighty waves. I 
noticed some dulse rising and falling with the tide, and 
thought I might catch it as it was lifted up. 1^ snatched 
at it eagerly, missed it, and was precipitated into the 
deep sea. I was not alarmed, being conscious of the 
power of swimming. I recovered myself, and came to 
the rock from which I had fallen ; but lo ! its surface was 
smooth, and the ledge on which I had been sitting was 
too high for me to reach. I left it and swam out, with 
a view to get round to the quay. Then the thought oc- 
curred to me that if I were to return, and lie quietly on the 



96 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



water, the wave that lifted up the dulse would lift me also, 
and put me within reach of the ledge. So I returned and 
waited patiently. At length a great swelling wave lifted 
me on its crest, and seizing hold of the ledge, I held it fast, 
and struggled until I regained my seat upon it. The day 
was one of bright and warm sunshine. I took off my 
clothes, which were happily very light, and wrung them, 
and spread them on the hot rock, where they very soon 
dried, and in a short time I was clothed again. Having 
clambered up the face of the rock and reached the top, I 
found my father sitting there. He had not seen me, and I 
kept my secret, never once having named the accident for 
many years afterwards. The place where it occurred is 
now quite destroyed, that part of the hill having been 
carried away by recent changes. 

Some years afterwards I went to a neighbouring 
fair, riding to and from it on a smart pony. On 
my return, I became sick, and fainted. I fell from 
the pony, and, when I awoke from the faint, found 
myself with my legs in a ditch of water, and my 
head lying on the road. My pony ran to the house of a 
friend, and I was able to follow, and was kindly kept all 
the night until I had recovered. Other forms of danger 
occur to my memory as I think of my past life. I had 
scarlatina in my boyhood, and remember my mother 
and the doctor who attended me speaking at my bedside 
as though they had little, if any, hope of my life. Shortly 
after I became a minister at Carlow I had a severe attack 
of typhoid fever, which interrupted my labours for three 
months. Again, in Belfast, I had typhus, and was three 
months out of my pulpit. Besides these sudden attacks, 
I have been habitually a sufferer from sickness and head- 
ache. As if by some constitutional rule, I have had one 
sick day every week, usually Tuesday. It did not send 



ATTACKS OF SICKNESS. 



97 



me to bed, except occasionally, but it gave me great dis- 
comfort. I did not give up my work, but went about 
and visited the people. Latterly this infirmity has greatly 
increased on me. This increase may be dated from last 
February, 1867. Till then my health was as good 
as it had been for many years. I went one evening 
to the country to preach ; and on my return got a 
severe wetting. On the following Sabbath I had 
an unusual amount of public labour. Besides two 
services in the church, I addressed a large assemblage 
of Sunday-school children, and held my usual class of 
communicants. This labour was not felt at the time ; 
but, as the children withdrew, many of the forms on 
which they had sat were thrown down, and the noise 
affected my head very severely. That pain has continued 
with me more or less ever since, with short intervals. In 
consequence of it, I have been led to ask the Assembly to 
give leave to my congregation to choose an assistant and 
successor. I preached once only on the Sabbath for a 
few weeks, but have returned to the two usual services. 
I am now in Harrogate, in hope of being rested and 
restored, and have no reason to complain : God has 
dealt most graciously with me : my ministry has been 
prolonged beyond all reasonable expectation. I spent 
four years in Carlow, four and a -half in Lisburn, and, if 
spared to the 1st of November, shall enter on my fortieth 
year in Belfast. Was it not, therefore, justly said at the 
beginning of this section, " My long life is to me a marvel" ? 

MY HABITS. 

It is a serious thing to write about myself. Lord, 
enable me to do so in Thy sight, knowing that, however 
I may deceive myself, Thou art not deceived. " God 
is not mocked." Yet it is right to consider myself, my 

H 



98 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



ways, and works, that I may be humbled before God 
as I discover my sins and shortcomings, and may magnify 
His grace when able to discern any token of its influence 
upon me. With these views let me think of the habits 
of my life — what they have been, and how they have been 
exercised, and to what results they have led. Oh, Lord, 
help me to be grateful to Thee and faithful to myself. 

HABITS OF FRUGALITY. 

I can hardly avoid beginning with these, from an inci- 
dent which has occurred this morning. I received a letter 
from one of my ministerial brethren, of whom I know 
almost nothing, sending me a bill for £25, and requesting 
me to write my name upon it with his. It is my duty 
to refuse him, and yet I sympathise with him. Were I 
to do such things, my ministry would speedily be ruined ; 
yet, what thoughts should fill my mind in reflecting on the 
course of my life in reference to pecuniary affairs ! In 
my earliest childhood I learned from my parents the duty 
of frugality. They were in comfortable circumstances, 
but not rich. They were very industrious and careful, 
and their conversation often turned on the sin of extrava- 
gance and the duty of integrity. " Owe no man any- 
thing" was often on their lips. Soon this became a 
maxim of my life. When a boy, I had no means of 
acquiring money, but was careful not to put my father 
to any expense that could be avoided, and never con- 
tracted any debt. 

When I went to Carlow it never occurred to me how 
I was to be supported, feeling sure God would supply my 
need. For the first three years I do not think I received 
more than £50, from all sources, in each year, but I lived 
on that, and contracted no debt. On my removal to 
Lisburn I had no promise of anything beyond what the 



CONTRIBUTES A TENTH. 



99 



seat rents might produce, but these supplied my wants 
abundantly. I had never £200 a year there, and yet, 
with three children, there was no want. In Belfast my 
family and my expenses increased, but we never ex- 
ceeded our income in our expenditure. We began with 
£200, and ended with £500, besides manse and Eoyal 
Bounty ; and as we received, so we gave. We contributed 
according to our means — not less than a tenth of our 
income, but often a great deal more, sometimes a fifth — 
to objects of religion and charity. I was enabled to open 
a subscription-list for a church or some such undertaking 
by a donation of £10, or £20, or £50, and so secure large 
sums from the friends who followed. Probably I have spent 
not less than £500 on the Foreign Mission since its com- 
mencement. God has put this in my power by the great 
kindness of my congregation mainly, but not exclusively. 
It is largely due to the carefulness of my dear wife. She 
has ever been most generous, yet most careful. My 
household arrangements have been the same. The con- 
sequence has been that we have never experienced any 
pecuniary perplexity, nor ever wanted a shilling. There are 
some ministers who have enjoyed a higher income than I 
ever had, who are yet often in perplexity. How much is 
owing to God for His goodness to me in things temporal ! 
It has been a great help to my ministry. Let me ascribe 
it to the sovereign grace of God so ordering my up- 
bringing and manner of life that I have been kept out of 
difficulties, and led in safe paths. Truly He has been my 
Counsellor and Guide, my Benefactor and Friend. To 
Him let me render all the glory of my prosperous life, and 
the work that, consequently, I have been enabled to do. 

HABITS OF INDUSTRY. 

When it was settled, in the thirteenth year of my age, 



100 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



that I should be a minister, and was set to the study 
of Latin and Greek with that view, I began the work 
earnestly and diligently. This is the first recollection I 
have of giving fixed attention to anything in the way of 
learning. I had a purpose before me, and set myself to ac- 
complish it. I rose early to prepare my lessons. My task 
was never neglected. My teachers were pleased with my pro- 
gress, and my own interest increased as I got through the 
Latin and Greek grammar — Ovid, Sallust, Lucian, Xeno- 
phon, and Virgil, with the other usual preparatory books. 
After two years so spent I passed the examination of the 
Presbytery. My entrance at Glasgow College was counted 
respectable ; but then my industry was interrupted. I 
did not know how to prepare for the duties of the classes, 
being willing to work, but not knowing how. As soon 
as possible I came home, and my Summer was as unpro- 
ductive as the Winter, until I was visited by the sovereign 
grace of God, and then truly did my life and labour begin. 
During my next college session I worked hard and suc- 
cessfully, and on coming home for the Summer read a 
great deal, ail on the old theology. It was the same 
throughout the remainder of my student life. I cannot 
blame myself with wasting time, but now greatly deplore 
that I did not know better how to employ it. On becoming 
a minister I grew in the diligent prosecution of my studies 
and labours. God put me at first in the right place, at 
Carlo w, where nearly all my time was occupied in learning 
and preparing to preach, for the smallness of the congrega- 
tion made visitation easy. When removed to Lisburn 
I increased in diligence, and then began the habit of break- 
fasting at eight o'clock in the morning, and have continued 
it to this day. I made little use of my old sermons, and 
was habitually furnished with two new ones on the Sab- 
bath-day. It has been the same all my time in Belfast. 



HABITS OF PREPARATION. 



101 



My old professor, Dr. Young, said to me on my coming 
there, that I would have fine leisure for a while, as my 
old sermons would suffice ; but it was not so. I could 
not satisfy myself with the old, but regularly prepared 
new ones. 

Having preserved all my manuscripts, I looked over 
them recently, and found that, on an average, a hundred 
new discourses were prepared and delivered every year of 
my ministry. Altogether, my discourses amount to about 
five thousand. Of these, the majority are not written 
out fully, but they are so far prepared that I can 
understand and use them when now thinking on 
the subjects treated there. Many hundreds of these are 
written out entirely. A thousand might be put to press 
without alteration, so far as the mere matter of printing 
is concerned. It is a very different question — How many 
would be worth publishing ? They are, however, pretty 
much the same in fulness and accuracy as those that have 
been published. For use in the pulpit, the skeletons are 
as good to me as those fully written out. I have been 
accustomed to feel that my preparation was as good with 
the one as with the other. I greatly prefer to preach from 
the skeleton, unless it be on some special occasion. This 
habit of preparing two discourses weekly has so grown on 
me that I am even now not satisfied without writing 
them, and, when preaching on an old text, usually prepare 
a new sermon. Blessed be Grod, who has given me health 
and opportunity and inclination to be thus industrious in 
this department of ministerial labour : nor in this only. 

Family visitation and attendance on the sick have 
been prosecuted with equal diligence. For many years I 
announced my visitations regularly from the pulpit, but 
the scattered residences of the people have of late years 
rendered that impracticable ; still, I go to them as much 



102 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



as possible. It is most pleasant to me to do so, especially 
to be much with the sick. In such labours there is no weari- 
ness, but I do dislike church courts and committee meet- 
ings : always feeling that time is sadly wasted in them. 
Perhaps I have erred in not giving more time and attention 
to these. It is a great advantage to Presbyterianism that 
it gives an opportunity to all to speak their minds freely, 
and express whatever may be profitable to the Church 
and the community ; but somehow I shrink from the 
scenes so common in these meetings, and feel relief in 
getting away to the houses and sick beds of my flock. 
In these Grod has enabled me to fill up my ministerial 
day with unflagging industry. I have been accustomed 
to rise at six o'clock in the morning, Summer and Winter, 
securing an hour's reading before breakfast at eight. 
Before nine I have usually been away from my own house, 
not returning for dinner till four. Half an hour sufficed 
for this meal, and the remainder of the day was spent in 
my study, except when called to public meetings. As a 
rule, I did not dine or drink tea out of my own house, 
when asked to do so, proposing to go for breakfast instead. 
This I did to a large extent, sometimes being thus en- 
gaged for days and weeks continuously. Thus the 
family was met alone. So my years have been spent, and 
I look back on them with pleasure, and in some sense can 
say, through grace, " I have given myself continually to 
the ministry of the Word" — but hesitate to add, " and to 
prayer ;" for, while the form has not been omitted, alas ! 
it has been too often far from what the spirit of it should 
have been. Working has been much easier to me than 
praying — that is, praying in the Spirit. A gentleman 
met me the other day who had seen the notice of my 
purpose to get an assistant in my ministry, and he said 
to me, "You have done a deal of work;" and, while 



EXAMPLE OF HIS FATHER. 



103 



conscious that he spoke truly, I yet felt much humbled, 
thinking of the spirit in which much of it had been done. 
In fact, I was so formed to the habit of work that it was 
indispensable to me, and I could find no pleasure in mere 
recreation. For many years my only recreation was 
change of employment. Whether or not the body has 
been overworked, I have, undoubtedly, overworked my 
brain ; but, even so, my incessant toil is not to be 
regretted. My work was a blessed one. If my God shall 
favour me I would like to labour until the fiftieth year of 
my ministry, and the seventieth year of my life. I 
began my public life in the commencement of 1820, and 
indulged the hope of being spared to continue in it till 
1870. But I am not anxious on this head, thanking 
God for employing me in the past, and resigning myself 
to His disposal for the future. 

THE HABIT OF TEMPERANCE. 

How thankful I should be for the habits of my 
father's house. He was a temperate man himself, and 
ever spoke severely of any approach to intemperance. 
Yet he followed the custom of his day, taking one 
tumbler of punch after dinner, but no more. He never 
was seen influenced by intoxicating drink. He used to 
say, "Drinking is a business by itself; the man who 
addicts himself to it can attend to nothing else." When 
the temperance movement arose he thought it a good 
thing, and, in his old age, he gave up the use of his one 
tumbler. When I grew to be a young man, nineteen 
or twenty years old, he expected me to take one tumbler 
of punch with him after dinner. This I did, till my leav- 
ing him to settle in Carlow. On going there the only 
piece of furniture I purchased was a gardevin, that 
held four small bottles of spirits. I continued my father's 



104 LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



custom, and took a glass of punch after dinner. Soon, 
however, I gave it up. My mind was set on my prepara- 
tion for the pulpit, and I devoted the evening as well 
as the morning to it, but found myself more dull and 
languid after the dinner and its punch. I therefore laid 
the latter aside, suspecting it was the cause of my stu- 
pidity ; and so it proved to be. Preferring a clear 
mind to the indulgence of my appetite, I gave up the 
habit, and never resumed it. When dining out I used 
a little wine or spirits, as those around me did ; but my 
moderation was always manifest to my companions. 

On getting a house of my own, we gave spirits or wine 
to those who visited us. An incident occurred in Lis- 
burn that impressed me very much. On one occasion 
we were to have a public meeting in the evening for some 
religious society, and a number of friends were with me 
for dinner, chiefly those who were to be the speakers. Of 
course they had their punch after dinner. As we sat 
together, I was called out of the dining-room to a poor 
man who wished to see me. I talked with him, and 
went out of the house along the street with him. On 
returning out of the pure air, and entering my house, 
the smell of the punch was very strong and disagreeable. 
This, thought I, is what the poor man must have felt 
when he called upon me, and what impression must it 
have made upon him. Surely he would think it strange 
in a minister's house, and in his friends who had come for 
a religious exercise. I resolved to be watchful against 
the recurrence of such a stumbling-block to any one in 
my house. 

Some year or two after this the question of temperance 
was introduced by Dr. Edgar in Belfast. An old college 
companion of his and mine came on a visit from the 
United States, and told us what was going on in that 



THE TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. 



105 



country. He gave pamphlets and books on the subject 
of temperance to Dr. Edgar, and he read them until his 
enthusiasm was stirred. He spoke to me, and explained 
his views, and I encouraged him to launch the subject on 
the public mind, expressing my sympathy with him, 
and my readiness to aid him ; so did the minister of the 
Parish Church, Rev. Thomas Hincks ; and we three 
formed ourselves into a temperance society, in the old 
tract shop in Waring Street, affixing our names to the 
following resolution : — " We resolve to abstain from the 
use of distilled spirits, and to promote temperance." To 
this engagement God has enabled me to adhere ever since, 
nearly forty years. A short time afterwards I discon- 
tinued the use of wine as well as spirits, and have been 
uniformly a friend to the temperance cause, and hope to 
be so till death. As Dr. Edgar preached the first public 
sermon on this subject in Ireland, it was my privilege to 
preach the second. I committed myself to the cause at 
once, and, blessed be God, have never abandoned it. To 
this habit it is probably owing that my health has re- 
mained so long unbroken. I have thus been enabled to 
prosecute my work uninterruptedly, and have been kept 
out of the society that would not have been beneficial for 
me ; I have been enabled to set an example to others, and 
bring them into good habits. My ministry has been 
strengthened and advanced. A happy influence has been 
exercised over my congregation and schools, and brethren 
in the ministry. I look back on my connexion with the 
cause of temperance in the spirit of thankfulness to God 
who led me so early to embrace it, and pray that it 
may spread universally in its triumphs over the Church 
and the country. When it began in Belfast, a large 
number of my congregation were connected with the 
trade. Some of them were among our best people. By 



106 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



degrees they abandoned it, and now there is only one 
family in the congregation that continues to keep a public- 
house. This family was in the trade when I came to 
Belfast, and it is most respectable and well conducted. 
Probably the younger members of it will get their parents 
to close the house. Surely a public-house and the mem- 
bership of the Church are not compatible. Some time 
ago I went into a public-house kept by a man whom I 
had often exhorted to give it up, and was sitting in the 
parlour with his wife, when he came out of the shop and 
stood at the door, and said — " Doctor, don't wait for me : 
a man that sells whiskey has nothing to do with prayers." 
He then turned and went away. Where the conscience 
is not dead, it bears its testimony against the public - 
house. Every such house is a hotbed of all evil, destruc- 
tive to the interests of men in time and eternity. Lord, 
do Thou interpose, and by Thy providence and grace 
destroy the habit of intemperance in the use of intoxi- 
cating drink. 



SOCIETY. 



107 



CHAPTER X. 

SOCIAL HABITS. 

Society — J ohn Wesley's Rule — Habit of Giving — " Systematic Bene- 
ficence" — Gold and the Gospel" — The Amicable Life Assurance 
Society — Unity and Peacefulness — Dr. Doyle — The Evangelical 
Alliance — Good-will towards the Episcopal Church — The Wes- 
leyans — "A Soft Answer" — The Lesson of Scripture ■ — Active 
Habits : in Youth : in Ministry — Early Preparations for the 
Pulpit — Dr. Wood, of Newry — Sympathy with the People — 
Facility in recognising them — The Successful Apprentice — In 
Time of Trouble — Vigilance — " The Good Shepherd" — Absentees 
— The Young — Archbishop Whateley — Punctuality — Persever- 
ance — Dr. Cooke at Donegore — Gentleness. 

N the opinion of many who know me, my habits may 
be considered unsocial. As the word society is com- 
monly understood, I have been very little in it, not having 
been much accustomed to dine out, or even to go for tea 
of an evening. Probably I have not been out of my own 
house for one or other of these meals ten times in a year 
since coming to Belfast ; nor have we been in the habit of 
inviting others to our house for these entertainments. It 
is true, we have strangers very often at our table ; but 
they are those who come of their own accord, and are 
most welcome, or relatives, to whom my house is always 
an open home, or friends coming on the errand of reli- 
gious societies and objects. I have sometimes considered 
whether we might not have made more use of friendly 
parties for the promotion of religion ; but my way seemed 



108 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



to be shut. My engagements were so numerous and 
serious that I could not give time for anything else. My 
labour was constant and urgent. If an evening were in 
any way taken from me, it was hard to know how it was 
to be made up for. The preparation of two discourses 
for every Sabbath, the visitation of the people, and espe- 
cially of the sick, the extensive correspondence to be 
maintained every day, and my own private reading and 
study, absorbed my whole time. Unless some of these 
duties were neglected, it was not possible to go into 
company, or have it at home. Change of employment 
furnished all that was necessary by way of relaxation. 

It never seemed as if amusement was necessary : my 
health was such that I could go on unceasingly. Though 
scarcely ever a week without headache, I seldom had it 
more than one day in the week, but worked on, and said 
nothing about it. Many a time I rose with it, and hardly 
knew how to get on with the duties of the day ; but, having 
breakfasted and set out, being busied through the day, 
my pain diminished, and the next night's sleep generally 
restored me. Besides this entire occupation, it is true I 
had not a taste for company, believing it to be generally 
a sad waste of time. There are some people who can 
make conversation pleasant and profitable, but I am not 
one of them, having never been able to prolong it to much 
advantage. There is great wisdom in John Wesley's 
rule — never to spend more than two hours at one time in 
the same company, because he thought that in that time 
he had done and received as much good as he was capable 
of giving or receiving. With these views and tastes, 
society was a burthen and a weariness to me. I might 
have done the same as others did, but it would have been 
at the expense of withholding what it seemed desirable 
should be devoted to the promotion of religion and 



LIKES BEING ALONE. 



109 



charity. Thus my habits became apparently unsocial. 
There was no discomfort in being alone. I enjoyed 
much the society of my own family, but did not 
desire anything beyond it. Much of my time was 
spent altogether alone. It has been usual with me in 
latter years to go away for a month, at the solicitation 
and expense of my beloved flock, and this time has been 
commonly passed alone. It has been so at the Bridge 
of Allan, and Harrogate, and Buxton, and other places ; 
but this did not involve idleness. A great deal of work 
was done at them. I wrote a small volume at the first 
of these places, and several at some of the others. In 
reflecting on thus having spent my time, I feel satisfac- 
tion. Were my life to be gone over again, the same 
course would probably be chosen. Company-keeping I 
regard as neither pleasant nor profitable for me. A 
minister has enough of that in his necessary intercourse 
with his flock, and this he may truly enjoy as he goes 
from house to house ; but to meet in numbers for the 
mere purpose of talking, and especially of eating and 
drinking, I could never either enjoy or approve. 

THE HABIT OF GIVING. 

It may be said — Is not hospitality a Christian duty, 
and is it not enjoined on ministers especially in the Divine 
Word ? This is true. Yet the exercise of it must be 
regulated by circumstances. We read of Matthew giving 
a feast to his friends, but never of Paul doing so. Yet it 
is Paul who makes hospitality a mark of the good bishop. 
There may, therefore, be cases in which it may not be 
exercised. One is when it cannot be done consistently 
with income and the claims of others, as those of the 
family and near friends. But this was not my condition, 
and yet I practised hospitality less than some who were 



110 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



not so well provided for. My restraint was in respect of 
time, which could not be given to entertain friends, con- 
sistently with the calls of my ministry. A brother minister, 
for example, came to town, and 1 would very much have 
desired to invite him to my house and table ; but this could 
not be, because if I asked him for breakfast, my day was 
broken in upon, and my engagements could not possibly be 
got through ; and if for dinner, my evening was lost, and 
many duties must have fallen behind. My path, there- 
fore, was plain, and it was often very trying to me to 
seem inattentive to friends ; but the work of my ministry 
could not be given up for any other engagement. Of that 
it may be said — " This one thing I do." Yet God enabled 
me ever cheerfully to give of my substance for His cause. 
Through all my public life I was willing to communicate, 
and ready to distribute, and not unable to give large 
sums for Church extension at home and missions abroad. 
My contributions always exceeded the tenth of my in- 
come, and in some years I have gladly given a fourth. 

When the Systematic Beneficence Society was pro- 
posed, its principles commended themselves to my mind. 
It originated in a discourse I had delivered to young men, 
from " Jacob's Yow at Bethel." Dr. Cather heard of the 
discourse, and of the views expressed in it. He was then 
one of the Wesleyan ministers in Belfast. We conversed 
on the subject, as he had called on me for that purpose. 
He proposed a prize essay on the subject, and I encouraged 
him. Some fifty essays were sent to the adjudicators, 
who were five in number. Each fixed on a different 
essay as the best. What was to be done ? It was ad- 
vised that the whole five should be published, as they 
discussed different branches of the one subject. At the 
same time it was suggested that to pay for the printing 
of them all we should forego the pecuniary prize of £50. 



GOLD AND THE GOSPEL. 



Ill 



This was consented to, and so the five were published 
under the title, given by Dr. James Hamilton, of " Gold 
and the Gospel." My essay is that on the scriptural 
argument for the dedication of at least a tenth of income 
to the purposes of charity and religion. My own practice 
has been ever consistent with that argument. Thus has 
my ministry been kept free from the suspicion of worldli- 
ness. I am not aware of such a charge having ever been 
brought against it. It delighted me to hear one of my 
noble-minded elders say that I appeared to him to care 
nothing for money. This is true. Opportunities of 
amassing wealth were often presented to me, which 
were not taken advantage of. Yet, for a Presbyterian 
minister, I was rich: wasting nothing, and using habitual 
economy, the Lord prospered me in things temporal as 
well as spiritual. 

Some have expressed surprise at my becoming the 
Chairman of a Board of the Amicable Life Assurance 
Society. Let me, therefore, record my reasons for accept- 
ing that position, which I have now occupied for more 
than a quarter of a century. The application came to 
me from the agent of the society in Belfast, and at first 
I declined to entertain it. It was my resolution from 
my entrance on the ministry never to accept any office 
that would interfere with its duties, and have more than 
once refused to fill situations of high honour and pecuniary 
advantage, on the ground that I could not give the time 
they would take from my special work. After I had 
declined the invitation of the Insurance Company, it was 
renewed and pressed more earnestly on my attention. 
In speaking to my early friend and elder, Mr. Charles 
Thomson, of what had occurred, he said he doubted the 
wisdom of my refusal, inasmuch as he thought if I became 
Chairman of the Board some of our ministers might be 



112 LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



induced to insure their lives, and so make a provision for 
their families in the event of their death. This sugges- 
tion arrested my attention. Having weighed it thought- 
fully, it appeared that the time required for the duty 
would not be more than half an hour in the week, and 
that only when the committee would require to meet, 
which might not be so much as weekly. Then, if this 
should save the families of my brother ministers, what a 
satisfaction it would be ! Still I hesitated, thinking my 
taking such a step might be misunderstood, and be an 
offence to some excellent people. The thought then 
occurred that if Mr. Charles Thomson were to be united 
with me on the Board, his high character and our close 
relation would be accounted a sufficient vindication of 
my conduct in the eyes of some who might be dissatisfied. 
This was mentioned to him, and he replied that he could 
not be on the Board, as he held no policy from the Com- 
pany. I told him I was willing to act if he was united 
with me, and that with his permission this should be 
made a condition of my acceptance. The company agreed 
to my proposal, and I became Chairman of the Board, 
and have continued to be such till the present time. 

My hope of benefiting my brethren has not been 
disappointed. They have taken out above a hundred 
policies ; many of our people have' been led to do the 
same. Thus God has enabled me, without any disparage- 
ment of my ministry, or interference with its duties, to 
accomplish much good. It has been a high gratification 
to me to see the widows of some of our departed ministers 
receiving from £100 to £1,000, when deprived of their 
husbands in the providence of God. Would that all our 
ministers and all our people were to take advantage of 
assurance societies, so far as their means allow. The 
poorest could do something. The penny a day expended 



MINISTRY IN THINGS TEMPORAL. 



113 



by a young tradesman on his tobacco, at twenty-one 
years of age, would pay bis annual premium on an in- 
surance of £100, in case of bis deatb. How many tbrow 
away the penny tbat would be thus productive and pro- 
fitable. This would be a double blessing — saving from a 
hurtfu] habit, on the one hand, and securing a valuable 
inheritance on the other. My labour in such a cause is 
thus seen more and more clearly to be in entire harmony 
with the Christian ministry. I thank God who has 
honoured me by having so employed me. I have lost 
nothing by it, but have gained something for myself and 
others. It is all the more pleasant, because I am con- 
scious of having entered on such a work, not so much 
for my own interests as those of others. It has increased 
in me a desire to be useful, and to serve my day and 
generation. 

The ministry is designed for the temporal, as well as 
the spiritual and eternal interests of those among whom 
it is exercised. These go together and strengthen one 
another. " Godliness is profitable unto all things, having 
the promise of the life that now is, and of that which 
is to come." Blessed be God for putting me into such a 
ministry ! May it never be dishonoured by me ! I trust 
He has preserved me from dishonouring it hitherto, and 
for the future I desire to cherish the spirit of Abraham 
Boothe, who, in addressing a young minister on the day of 
his ordination, said to him, in the way of warning : — " I 
have been forty years in the ministry of the Gospel, and 
God has given me some acceptance and success ; yet I am 
habitually under the impression that before I die I may be 
left to do something that shall dishonour my whole minis- 
try. God alone can keep either you or me. Let us watch 
unto prayer." The Lord give me this spirit of dependence 
on Him, and enable me to walk consistently with it. 
I 



114 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



THE HABIT OF UNITY AND PEACEFULNESS. 

God graciously formed me so that I had never much 
to contend with in my intercourse with others, not being 
inclined to be envious of them, or ready to dispute with 
them. This was my constitutional temperament. Through 
all my schoolboy days my companions were dear to me, 
and I enjoyed their company, and was always glad of 
their success in anything — never ambitious to excel them, 
or proud to triumph over them. I hated contentions of 
every kind, and avoided them : it was always pleasanter 
to heal and help, and to enjoy the confidence of my 
fellows. When I was brought under the influence of the 
Gospel of Christ, and became a preacher of it, my cir- 
cumstances were well fitted to enlarge and increase the 
grace of charity. My first settlement was not among 
my own people, but in the midst of strangers, who were 
chiefly Eoman Catholics or members of the Church of 
England ; while, even of those few who waited on my 
ministry, almost none were Presbyterians. I was terribly 
afflicted to witness the Sabbath profanation and kindred 
evils which abounded. The recurrence of God's holy day 
was to me an occasion of renewed distress, as I saw the 
people assembling in crowds on the streets, carrying their 
implements of husbandry, and waiting to be hired ; yet 
I got acquainted with many of the people, and found not 
a few most agreeable in private life. Some of them were 
physicians and lawyers, and merchants and shopkeepers. 
It did me good to be acquainted with them, and to respect 
others who differed greatly from me in their religious 
views and practices. Among others, I had the acquaint- 
ance of the famous Eoman Catholic Bishop, Dr. Doyle, 
who was my neighbour for four years, and was con- 
strained greatly to admire not only his private life of 



THE EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE. 



115 



purity, but his great talents and official fidelity. Among 
the Episcopalians and Quakers I had many most kind 
friends, who were ever ready to acknowledge me. I 
formed the most intimate friendships with several clergy- 
men of the Church of England, and was much in their 
society. This intercourse has tended largely to influence 
my whole life in making me adverse to contention with 
their Church, and inclined to co-operate with it. 

When the Evangelical Alliance arose, I at once sym- 
pathised warmly in its design. I attended its first 
public meeting in London, and have ever since been a 
member of it. One of its delegates, an Episcopalian, was 
early sent to Belfast, and delivered an address in my 
school -room, in which he used some expressions that have 
never been forgotten, and by which my life has been 
influenced — the familiar words, that " it takes two to 
make a quarrel." The time and circumstances, and the 
accompanying Spirit of God, so impressed these words 
upon me, that I resolved, if it takes two to make a 
quarrel, I would not be one of them. By this resolution 
God has enabled me to stand. With the members of 
other Churches I have lived in peace, and especially with 
their ministers. God has enabled me to be a lover of 
good men without respect to their religious denomina- 
tion. I am decided in my preference of Presbyterianism, 
believing it to be the most scriptural and useful form of 
Church government. It seems to me to possess the 
greatest amount of internal strength, and to be the best 
adapted for extension. There is a sad defection of the 
Church of England in these days, and it must either be 
healed of this, or be destroyed by it ; but all this has not 
made me to feel bitterly towards that Church. There 
are some of the most enlightened and loving of God's 
servants in it, both ministers and private members. May 



116 



LIFE AND TIMES OP DR. MORGAN. 



the good Lord interpose and deliver it from its enemies, 
within and without ! How thankful we ought to be for 
the unity and prosperity of our own Presbyterian Church ! 
These are the results of its purgation when the old stan- 
dards were restored forty years ago, and those opposed 
to them withdrew. 

In that separation I had a well-understood place ; but 
sacrificed no private friendship. I have since lived in 
good feeling towards those who differed from us on the 
vital doctrines of the Gospel, and enjoy the warm friend- 
ship of the Unitarian ministers, who are my neighbours. 
There is no kindness we would not be ready to reciprocate, 
one towards another. And while thus happy with those 
who are far separated from us, I have had much endeared 
fellowship with others who, though not Presbyterians, 
agree with us on the great Evangelical views of the Gospel. 
My intimacy with Wesleyans has been cordial. The re- 
ligious life of my beloved wife began among them. Her 
sister's husband is one of their ministers, a highly ac- 
complished man, with whom I have lived for nearly fifty 
years in the sweetest intercourse. 

As for my own brethren, " the unity of the Spirit in 
the bond of peace" has been maintained, carefully avoid- 
ing any contentions, personal or official. Some have 
attacked me with severity, and even with bitterness, but 
I have never replied in the same tone. I was very 
thankful on one occasion, when not a little was said to 
me calculated to provoke, to hear one of the best and 
wisest men say afterwards of my conduct, that it brought 
up to his mind the words of Solomon — " A soft answer 
turneth away wrath." Some of my brethren would wish 
me to be more resolute, as they call it ; but the interests 
of true religion are more important than my personal 
dignity or honour. Besides, we should not forget that 



FORBEARANCE. 



117 



"yielding pacifieth great offences," and that, " better is 
he that ruleth his own spirit than he that taketh a city." 
The consequences of patience, and forbearance, and for- 
giveness, are many and blessed. They save a world of 
trouble, and produce unspeakable benefits. 

But, above all, how largely do the Scriptures dwell 
on the graces of peace and unity ! Let any one read 
carefully the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians, and judge 
of the obligations laid upon him to cultivate these. Let 
him say in the light of that chapter what provocation will 
justify the violation of them. Let him look at them as 
they appeared in the life of our Lord and Master, and note 
what He did and endured for their sake. Then let him re- 
member how Paul enforced these graces by the example 
of Christ, saying in wondrous and blessed words — " Let 
every one of us please his neighbour for his good to 
edification, for even Christ pleased not Himself ; but, as 
it is written, the reproaches of them that reproached Thee 
fell on Me ; for whatsoever things were written aforetime 
were written for our learning, that we, through patience 
and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope." This 
is the rule to which we should be conformed. It may be 
counted weakness or cowardice among men to obey it 
fully and universally ; but it is, in reality, and in God's 
sight, true courage. It is easier to give a loose rein to 
our passion than to restrain it. Be it ever my care to 
have the mind that was in Christ, in this and in all 
things. For any measure in which I have been enabled 
to attain to it, I give Thee thanks and glory, Thou 
Spirit of love and concord. 

Happily, this Spirit has given to us in the Word a 
basis of intercourse and fellowship with all classes and 
conditions of men. " Whereto we have already attained, 
let us walk by the same rule : let us mind the same 



118 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



thing." So far as we are agreed, let us unite and act 
together. In a matter of charity — an asylum or an 
hospital — all denominations are agreed ; let them, there- 
fore, unite in its support and its government. In views 
of religious truth and duty they may not be agreed ; 
therefore, in these they cannot be honestly united. With 
whom shall we join in the Lord's Supper ? With all 
who agree with us in the truths which it embodies. On 
this ground we can and may join with Episcopalians, and 
Wesleyans, and Baptists, as well as with Presbyterians. 
The ordinance of the Supper does not raise the question 
of Church government. How it would unite the Christian 
Church were its members to adopt and act on this one 
simple and scriptural principle ! Lord hasten it, and may 
all who believe in Jesus be speedily joined in one holy 
brotherhood ! 

ACTIVE HABITS. 

Though born a weakly child, I became active in my 
boyhood, and was usually among the foremost of my 
companions in all our plays and entertainments. This 
is applicable mentally as well as bodily, for I was among 
the counsellors as well as the actors in all our plans and 
pastimes. When in riper years it was the sovereign 
pleasure of my Heavenly Father to call me by His grace, 
these capacities were sanctified by Him, and exercised 
in His service. My life and ministry have been active 
more than contemplative. I never was competent to the 
profound thought and high intellectual speculations of 
many of my brethren. Eegarding them with admira- 
tion, and rejoicing in their success while they pursued 
their favourite studies, and were distinguished by great 
achievements in them, I never tried to imitate them, nor 
was envious of them. My department was to be up 
and doing. The habit of activity grew upon me, and by 



ACTIVE HABITS. 



119 



this means all my powers, mental and bodily, were taxed 
to the utmost. My life was one of constant labour. 
Walking much from place to place, from family to family, 
and person to person, by the kindness of Divine Provi- 
dence I did not know what it was to be tired, often walk- 
ing ten or fifteen miles in the day, and occasionally much 
more, in the work of pastoral visitation, and feeling no 
fatigue. It was my custom to begin my calls by nine 
o'clock in the morning, and continue them till four, which 
was my hour for dinner. Then, if messages had been 
left for me during the day, I started off, after sitting half 
an hour or less at dinner, and did not return until all had 
been visited who desired to see me, if that were possible. 
If there were no extra calls of this kind, there was an 
opportunity for study — first, to finish whatever corres- 
pondence was required by the evening post, and then to 
read as much as possible till ten o'clock, my usual hour 
for retiring. 

My congregation was the sphere which demanded chief 
attention. I always went from it reluctantly to Church 
Courts and public meetings, from a feeling that in these 
time was sadly misspent. It grieved me to see twenty or 
thirty ministers sitting upon some trifling case, and 
occupying hours with it, when one was competent to do 
all that was necessary. Many times I left, and went to 
the families of my flock, and there found myself at home. 
There was one exception to this : it was always pleasant 
to break in on two days of the week for the preparation 
of my sermons for the following Sabbath. These days 
were Wednesday and Thursday, when they could be so 
disposed of. I did not begin early in the week, because 
it was desirable to have the chosen texts in my mind for 
two days before beginning to write upon them ; and I did 
not wait longer, for the following reasons : — When about 



120 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DH. MORGAN. 



a year in Belfast I began to spit blood in small quantities. 
This did not weaken me, nor suspend my labours, and 
whether it came from the chest or the head is uncer- 
tain. It may have trickled down to the throat from the 
head. At that time I was spending an evening in the 
house of an excellent Christian physician — Dr. Wood, of 
Newry — and as we sat alone I told him of the symptom. 
He inquired very minutely concerning it, and particularly 
when it occurred, and under what circumstances. When 
told that I was accustomed to spend Friday in preparing 
one sermon, and Saturday another, and that the blood 
generally appeared on the Sabbath morning, he remarked 
that this was to be expected — " You are shut up, and 
much occupied in thought for two days, and these are suc- 
ceeded by the anxiety of the Sabbath morning, and thus 
you are in a condition for such an expectoration as you 
describe." He then advised me as to the future — 
" Begin your preparations early in the week. Be sure 
to have your sermons finished by Friday. Never study 
on Saturday, but keep your country visits for that day. 
Be in the open air as much as you can, and have your 
mind as free from any deep thought as possible." I con- 
sidered the advice sound and reasonable, and took it, and 
have acted upon it ever since, and have never had another 
attack of the expectoration. 

This was not the only good result of such a course. 
Walking about on Saturday, in the country if possible, 
my mind was upon my sermons, and everything seen by 
the way, or heard from those I met, was seen or heard in 
that connexion. Thus new views were suggested, or 
illustrations or arguments, and while the health of my 
body was invigorated, so was that of my mind, and I was 
every way better prepared for the public labours of the 
Sabbath. This became my habit, and has been pursued 



"ye are not your own." 



121 



for nigh forty years, my Saturdays being free from 
close study. By this means my discourses were sure to 
be ready, and no matter what called me away, a funeral 
or anything alike necessary to be attended to, my pulpit 
preparation was not interfered with. Professor Jardine 
used to say to his students in the Logic Class at Glasgow 
University, " Semper paratus :" so it has been with me 
during my entire ministry, chiefly in Belfast, through 
the seasonable advice of my friend. I shall never forget 
the late Dr. Wood, of Newry, because of his personal 
excellence and for the good he rendered to me. In both 
mind and body I am his debtor. In some measure God 
has blessed me with a sound mind in a sound body ; a 
sound mind in so far that it was always in a condition to 
exercise such power as God had conferred upon me, and 
a sound body in so far that I was never hindered by its 
sickness from appearing in my pulpit, save when labouring 
under fever on one occasion. Alas, at the best, and in com- 
parison with many others, both mind and body were weak 
and insufficient for the duties assigned them; but such as 
they were, they were always and fully occupied in the work 
of the ministry. Surely the minister above all men ought 
to feel the force of the Divine remonstrance, " Ye are not 
your own, ye are bought with a price ; therefore glorify 
God in your body and in your spirit which are His." 
Wherein it has been so with me let God have the glory. 
The greatest good I was capable of doing was by pursuing 
an active- ministry, rather than a studious one ; not 
merely working for my congregation in the study, but 
going to them in their houses, speaking with them by the 
way, cultivating habits of familiarity with them, taking 
an interest in all that concerned them, and ordering my 
services accordingly, and seeking to be their friend as 
well as their pastor. 



122 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



SYMPATHY WITH THE PEOPLE. 

My intimate knowledge of the congregation led 
naturally to strong sympathy with its members. The 
Lord has endowed me with a great facility in recognising 
individuals. Not merely could I recognise the features, 
but the name at once occurred to me. This is the more 
singular, as a kindred faculty was exceedingly defective, 
the remembrance of dates and the knowledge of figures. 
I seldom had anything to do with these without falling 
into mistakes. But with persons it was very different. 
All the families in my large congregation, not only 
the parents, but the children and the servants, were 
familiar to me. At one time I could almost have repeated 
the names of all the parents and children in the congrega- 
tion, not that any effort was made to do so, or any time 
spent in learning them, but they came up to my memory 
as naturally as those of my own family. My sight was 
singularly good, and this contributed to the faculty of 
recognition. 

It is very different with me now. Formerly when I 
went into the Sabbath schools, I could speak by name to 
nearly all the children when they numbered almost a 
thousand, but now they pass by, and I do not recognise 
almost any of them, owing to failure in my sight. 
This facility in knowing the people, was, of course, 
greatly increased by constant intercourse with them. My 
life was given to them, and spent among them, and for 
them. Their houses and families were almost as familiar 
to me as my own. I now find myself speaking to grave 
men and women, the fathers and mothers of large families, 
by their Christian names as I used to address them in 
their childhood ; John and Mary come into my mouth 
instead of Mr. and Mrs. More than once, when I have 



SYMPATHY WITH THE PEOPLE. 



123 



said Mr. and Mrs. instead of using the Christian name, it 
has been said, say William or Letitia, or whatever the 
name might be. A remonstrance was lately addressed 
to me by letter, for having written my dear Mrs., instead 
of Eebecca. No wonder ; all these people were baptized 
by me, and I felt as a father towards them through their 
infancy and childhood up to manhood. The great success 
of some of them in wealth, and the position they had 
reached in society by intelligence and good conduct and 
religion have made no difference. They are still the same 
as when they were struggling to gain a footing and to 
make their way with difficulty. 

I remember the case of one who is very dear to me, 
long a most efficient elder, and it is a sample of many. 
At my coming to Belfast he was a lad in his apprentice- 
ship. He finished it creditably, and began in a very 
small way for himself. He married the sister of a fellow- 
apprentice, who was also a member of my congregation, 
and every way worthy and fitted to be his wife. They 
got through the first year of their married life with great 
carefulness, but made no money. I was invited for 
breakfast one morning, that we might have a conversation 
on what course it would be best for them to take ; 
whether they should go abroad, or try a little longer at 
home. After balancing difficulties and encouragements, I 
said, " Would it not be well to make trial of another year. 
If the Lord furthers you, take it for a sign that you are 
to stay in Belfast, but if you do not prosper, regard it as 
a call to try Australia or some such country." We then 
knelt down and sought the Divine counsel and blessing. 
The year passed, and nothing more was said, nor were 
any questions asked. Time went on, and I began to 
notice a growing increase in their contributions for 
religious and charitable purposes. These increased more 



124 



LIFE Aim TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



and more, and this was the first sign of growing prosperity. 
There was no change in the habits of the family, no finery, 
no setting tip of a grander establishment, no exaltation of 
self: the same modesty and good sense and industry as 
before, but a great extension of business and great success 
in it. This man is now one of the most honoured and 
useful and influential men in Belfast. He has occupied 
the position of Mayor, and is to me the same as when 
in his apprenticeship he sought my eounse] as a father. 

This is not a solitary case. AYhen my ministry began 
in Belfast there were a great many young men in the 
congregation. At that time, in a whole row of pews, 
each family was represented by an unmarried person at 
the head of it. They were all young men who had lately 
entered on business for themselves. By degrees they 
became married men, and prospered every way. They 
grew rich, and their pews were filled with lovely sons 
and daughters — these are my joy and crown. The 
fathers were diligent, and honest, and enterprising, and 
godly, and God has blessed and honoured and prospered 
their children. 

Perhaps, however, there is another element that pro- 
duced or increased sympathy between pastor and people 
more than all the familiarity of which I have spoken. 
They had their trials, of course, and. in some cases, these 
were many and great. This was my season for reaping 
a harvest of their hio-hest o-ood. A counsellor and com- 

c o 

forter was needed by them more than ever before. I did 
not require to be sent for ; but somehow learned of the 
affliction, and went with speed to see what had happened. 
Their presence was so constant in their pews on the Sab- 
bath day that if these were empty this was a sign to me 
to make inquiries. I saw such blessed fruits from trouble 
that there was much encouragement to take advantage of 



SYMPATHY. 



125 



these seasons for the good of those to whom it was 
sent. My ministry ever after became more influential to 
such persons, and there was a bond of affection that united 
us closer than before. Parents who saw their children 
dying in faith and peace did not forget it. Children who 
saw their parents dying amid consolations and bright 
hopes for eternity were deeply impressed, and thus God 
allowed us to go on, year after year, without interruption. 
Not going much from home, my own pulpit was the 
most agreeable. My strength lay in cultivating my 
own vineyard, and all this led to growing sympathy with 
my flock : being interested in them, they were interested 
in me. 

My congregation were ever giving me expressions of 
their love and attachment. We never had a misunder- 
standing of any kind. There was entire mutual con- 
fidence ; and I can testify that, just as I seemed to be 
concerned about the right object, so did the congregation 
fall into sympathy with it. This was apparent in the large 
collections they were accustomed to give for the objects 
presented to their attention. I was very careful to 
explain these fully, and make their nature and claims to 
be understood, and then they were duly estimated and sup- 
ported. This is all that was necessary. I never pleaded 
merely for the money ; often never referred to it, but only 
to the importance of the object, leaving the question of 
money for its support to the determination of those who 
heard me. As for scolding or reproving those who did 
not give, this was never thought of. That was not the 
way to benefit the people. The heart must be reached, 
and the judgment must be convinced. If the Lord 
blessed the Word, the purse was soon emptied. As this 
process went on, people and pastor were more and more 
united. They who engage together in a good work get 



126 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



interested in one another, just as they are alike interested 
in the common object that has engaged their attention 
and efforts. So it was graciously with us. The retro- 
spect is one calling for much thankfulness. God has 
greatly honoured me in the ministry of such a con- 
gregation as he committed to my care. I was utterly 
unworthy of it. 

VIGILANCE. 

The sympathy of Christ's heart was manifest in the 
vigilance of His ministry. He loved His disciples, and 
watched over them with tender care. He delighted to 
call Himself " The Good Shepherd, who giveth His life 
for the sheep ;" and He protected them from every enemy, 
while He led them by still waters, and made them to lie 
down in green pastures. This feature of our Lord's life 
and ministry made a great impression on my mind, and 
influenced me greatly in the care of my flock. I desired 
to be a shepherd, as my Master was before me. This was 
the spring and source of that unceasing vigilance which I 
sought to exercise through all my ministry, and there 
were many ways and opportunities of using it. When 
any one was absent from public worship I looked after 
him. The Lord had blessed me with a singular capacity 
of discovering who were not in their pews, and my sigh,t 
was so quick that the presence of each person was at once 
apparent. Our church was happily so constructed as to 
place the large audience fully before me, and the place 
occupied by each hearer became so familiar that if any 
were absent they were missed immediately. This cost 
me no effort. It was not necessary to look about, and 
search for them ; but, by a sort of instinct, the absence 
was discovered. 

My memory was retentive, and it was my custom to 



VISITS ABSENTEES. 



127 



set out on Monday morning, and call upon the absentees. 
I did not go in the spirit of a reprover. There might be 
many and justifiable causes of their absence : sickness, 
or duty not to be deferred, or distance from home — a 
hundred undefinable, but reasonable causes. Still, the 
visit was seasonable and well received. It showed a con- 
cern for them that was felt and estimated. It began to 
be expected and reckoned upon. To this practice we owe 
largely the full attendance of the congregation to which 
we have been accustomed. Unhappily it cannot be 
followed any more as it used to be. The people have 
largely removed to so great a distance for their residences 
that they are unapproachable without great labour. 

A few statistics may properly be recorded here. At 
one time we had eighteen families in North Street, and 
now we have not one. In Donegall Street, twenty -two, 
and now two. In Waring Street, twelve, and now none. 
In High Street, twenty-five, and now two. The same 
might be said of all the business streets. Those who 
once lived in them have turned their residences into 
offices or shops, and gone out to the country to live. 
They have not left the church, but they live far away 
from the minister. The old course therefore can be no 
longer pursued in looking after the absent, as once was 
practicable. Let me recommend the habit of vigilance to 
all my brethren in the ministry, especially to those who 
are young in years and in their work. Let us all remember 
how our Lord commended it in His beautiful parable, 
"What man shall there be among you who hath a 
hundred sheep, if he lose one of them doth not leave the 
ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which 
is lost until he find it, and when he hath found it, he 
layeth it upon his shoulders rejoicing ; and when he 
cometh home he calleth together his friends and neigh- 



128 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



bours, saying, Kejoice with me, for I have found the sheep 
which was lost." Two other parables are used by our 
Lord to impress the same lesson — that of the lost money, 
and the prodigal son. It is notable, too, how in the Old 
Testament, in the prophecy of Ezekiel, the same illus- 
tration is employed in condemnation of unfaithful pastors : 
' ' The sheep wandered and were scattered abroad, and 
none did search or seek after them ; " and in prophetic 
commendation of the true Shepherd, who is represented 
to say, "Asa shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day 
that he is among his sheep that are scattered, so will I 
seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places 
where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark 
day." These are right thoughts and views , of the 
Christian ministry. The results of such vigilance are 
blessed, and the neglect of it is most hurtful. It is 
largely by this that any people can be brought and kept 
under the influence of a preached Gospel. Let their 
absence be occasionally overlooked, and in many in- 
stances it will become habitual. Let it be noticed at 
once, and it will in most cases be corrected. 

And how blessed the issue. The word is heard, and 
the ordinances are observed. My experience satisfies me 
of the truth of a saying of Dr. Chalmers : "If you would 
get into a man's heart, you must go into his house." I 
desired and laboured to be a house-going minister, because 
the success of my ministry was largely dependent on this. 
Let it also be considered how the habit of looking after the 
absent qualifies a minister to speak more profitably to the 
people when they hear him. They recognise the voice of 
a friend with which they are familiar, and say, this is the 
man who was kindly talking with me and my family in 
our own house. A knowledge also is thus gained of the 
habits of the household which cannot otherwise be had ; 



NEED FOR VIGILANCE. 



129 



their amount of divine knowledge or the want of it, the 
practice of family worship or the neglect of it, the obser- 
vance of the Sabbath or its profanation. So much have 
I felt the importance of this knowledge of my flock, and 
the duty of suiting my discourses and prayers to their 
circumstances, as well as to have my own spirit moved in 
sympathy towards them, that it has been my custom 
sometimes to go into the church alone and walk from 
pew to pew, thinking of those who are accustomed to 
occupy them, and considering what their state is, and 
what should be said to them or done for them. 

This has often proved to be a very affecting and 
quickening exercise to my own soul. I have had re- 
course to it frequently on the morning of a Communion 
Sabbath, and seldom failed to find it effectual for stirring 
me up to somewhat of a right spirit for the solemn en- 
gagements of the day. It leads a minister to think of 
his final meeting with his flock in the day of judgment. 
What a meeting ! He and they to give account in the 
presence of the Great Judge of all hearts and lives. Oh, 
that my ministry were ever conducted under this con- 
templation; surely it would be more faithful, and through 
grace effectual. 

For this vigilance it must also be said that it will be 
found to be a principal means of keeping the congregation 
fully occupied. Not merely does it bring to the Church, 
and keep in it, those who have been long therewith con- 
nected, but the places of those who, by death or removal, 
are taken away, get filled up. Our loss in communicants 
yearly averages about sixty or seventy. One year it was 
a hundred and fifty. This loss must be repaired by 
new members, therefore our attention has always been 
directed to this necessity. We have kept a list of 
applicants for pews, who could not at once obtain them 

K 



130 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



when required, and have tried to get these accommodated 
somehow, by asking small families who did not fill their 
pews to take them in for a time. If a vacancy occurred, 
the applicants were informed of it, and they obtained a 
permanent place. It is not enough to leave this matter 
to settle itself, for some are careless, and do not look after 
accommodation for themselves or their families. They 
are thus in danger of being alienated from public worship, 
or of getting into some connexion that may not be for 
their benefit. We have, therefore, felt all such to be a 
special charge, and have looked after them, until we saw 
them permanently settled in the church. The same may 
be said of young persons as they grow up in the congrega- 
tion from childhood to manhood. It has been my custom 
to call on such, and invite them to come to my class for 
communicants, which is held every Sabbath evening. 
Many are thus led to think of the membership of the 
Church, who might otherwise neglect it. This class 
averages in attendance from twenty to seventy — depend- 
ing very much on the season of the year. Of these, not 
more than a small proportion come to the Lord's Table, 
after an attendance of one quarter of a year. They usually 
attend two or three quarters. Our Church has thus 
largely drawn its membership from the ranks of the Sab- 
bath-school. The young have been led into the habit of 
taking their place at the Lord's Table, and great benefit has 
arisen from these exercises. Many conversions have taken 
place in connexion with the Supper. It has often been 
said that scarcely a communion has been observed at 
which we have not seen some instances of conversion to 
God by means of the accompanying solemnities. There 
has been a most blessed result of our labours in this de- 
partment, both for time and for eternity. Let every 
minister exercise vigilance towards the young of his flock ; 



CONVERSATION WITH DR. WHATELEY. 131 



they are the hope of the Church, and if neglected, sad, 
indeed, is the result. 

It may be interesting to record here an incident which 
occurred during an interview I once had with Archbishop 
Whateley, characteristic of the man. A deputation, con- 
sisting of Dr. Cooke, Dr. Stewart, and some others, of 
whom I was one, waited on the Lord Lieutenant, to confer 
with him about the National Board, and the connexion 
of the Synod of Ulster with it. We had a very pleasant 
and satisfactory interview, which resulted in the formation 
of that connexion. The same evening we were invited to 
dine with his Excellency, and the Archbishop was present. 
After dinner, Dr. Kirkpatrick and I were walking about 
through the large apartments in the castle, when we 
met Dr. Whateley alone. He stopped and entered into 
conversation with us. Dr. Kirkpatrick said — " I would 
be glad to get your Graces opinion on a subject that has 
much engaged me — the best way of spending an evening 
with young people, so as to gratify them, yet not waste 
their time." He replied — " Do you know what dyers 
call neeping, that is putting the cloth through a process 
by which it is prepared for receiving the colours, not 
putting them on ? So do you with the young ; do not 
try to saturate them with religion, but get their minds 
into a condition favourable for its reception." As he was 
thus speaking, the Duke of Leinster and the Provost of 
Trinity College, Dr. Sadlier, came up and stopped to 
listen. The Archbishop observed their attention, and 
went on to say — " Gentlemen, mind the young, because, 
as for the old, such as the Duke and Sadlier here, their 
carcasses must fall in the wilderness." So ended the in- 
terview amid the pleasantry of all parties. The illustra- 
tion was, no doubt, amusing, but the lesson was a good 
one. Mind the young. 



132 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



PUNCTUALITY. 



There are some graces and habits readily admitted to 
be important, yet not supposed to be so imperatively 
binding as others, and which may be neglected or vio- 
lated without much criminality. Of these, punctuality 
is one. How seldom is it cultivated and exercised as an 
urgent duty ! The merest trifle is counted an excuse for 
its non-observance. Yet, let it be considered carefully, 
and it will be seen to be one of the most needful and in- 
fluential habits of life. A man who is wanting in this 
grace causes great discomfort to himself. He finds himself 
habitually behind the time to his own great disadvantage. 
He loses influence and character, and is thought of by 
others as one who is not to be depended upon. He may 
come or he may not come, where and when he is looked 
for, and, therefore, confidence in him is lost. And while he 
thus suffers in estimation and usefulness he inflicts much 
injury on others, by wasting their time and hindering the 
seasonable performance of important work. I remember 
to have heard of a good lady who had on hands some 
benevolent enterprise, and she had engaged twelve others, 
supposed to be of like mind with herself respecting it, to 
meet with her at a fixed time and place. She was there 
and then present, and so were eleven of the invited, but 
the twelfth was missing. It happened that her position 
was such as to render her presence desirable. All the rest, 
therefore, waited for her, and their conference was sus- 
pended for a quarter of an hour. At the end of that 
time the unpunctual lady appeared, and entered with 
great haste and many apologies, expressing her fear that 
she had detained her friends a full quarter of an hour. 
" More than that," replied the presiding one of the party. 
"Ah, no," rejoined the defaulter; "it is just a quarter 



HABITS OF PUNCTUALITY. 



133 



by my watch." " True," said her reprover ; "but there 
are twelve of us, and each has lost a quarter of an hour ; 
so that, by a fair multiplication, twelve quarters, amount- 
ing to three hours, have been lost." This was the right 
view of the case ; so ought the want of punctuality to be 
judged. It is highly reprehensible, being a breach of an 
engagement. Cases do occur which render it unavoid- 
able, and then it must be excused ; but in all other in- 
stances it is to be condemned, and treated as the violation 
of an engagement. This is the view of it that I have 
always entertained, and, in harmony with which, have 
endeavoured to order my life. Punctuality has been 
recognised as one of my qualities. I was never late for a 
religious service so long as I can remember, nor ever 
missed my place by coach or rail but once, and that was 
by the fault of a companion who knew the way to the 
station of a railway which I did not, and was urged to 
come away in time, but in vain. I can remember only 
two cases in my lengthened ministry in which my en- 
gagements were forgotten. They were both for breakfast, 
and having been made a day or two before, they escaped 
my memory till it was too late. They did occur to 
me then, and I went immediately to the families who 
had been disappointed, and apologised for my neglect. 
These were, happily, kind friends, who forgave my offence, 
and the injury was repaired by arranging for another 
morning. In all men, punctuality is a duty. In a Bank 
or an Insurance Directory, the violation of it subjects to 
a pecuniary fine. This is right and necessary. But above 
all, punctuality is a habit which the minister of the 
Gospel should especially exemplify. His truthfulness is 
pledged to it; his usefulness is not a little dependent upon 
it ; his time is saved thereby, and his work advanced. 
Its influences are so great that his success is to a large 



134 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



amount suspended upon it. To me, therefore, it has ever 
appeared as a Christian grace and habit, which it was 
indispensable to cultivate, inasmuch as my religious 
character, and my ministerial usefulness, were greatly 
dependent upon its observance. 

PERSEVERANCE. 

This grace is, in many respects, kindred to that of 
punctuality, both in its own nature and in the estimate 
which is usually formed of it. How few regard it as a 
duty ; as to any blameworthiness in the want of it, this 
is scarcely entertained at all. But how do the Scrip- 
tures speak of it ? Thus — " Unstable as water thou shalt 
not excel." " Be ye, therefore, steadfast, unmoveable, 
always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as 
ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." In 
all departments this habit is necessary to success. The 
artist sketches, and sketches, and blots out, and tries again, 
and is content if life be far spent before he attains to the 
excellence he sought. The lawyer reads and reads, and 
ponders musty volumes that acquaint him with the laws 
of his country, and he is well satisfied if his laborious 
studies are rewarded when he has reached the maturity 
of his years. " The husbandman waiteth for the precious 
fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he 
receive the early and the latter rain." In all these there 
is a model to the Christian minister. He must not weary 
in well doing. He must persevere in his private studies. 
Every minister should be known as a diligent student ; 
he must read and read, write and write, preach and preach, 
try and try again. No man who fails to pursue this 
course is competent for the duties of the ministry, nor 
will be successful in them. And while this must be the 
character of his private studies, so must it be of his 



NEED FOE CONTINUOUS EFFORT. 



135 



public labours. Success is not to be attained at once. 
He may be blessed with it, or such tokens of usefulness 
may be granted him as are sufficient encouragement ; but 
the full harvest can be expected only when the field of 
his labour has been long and diligently cultivated. See 
how the general carries on his exploits in the warfare that 
has been assigned to him. He feels himself in an enemy's 
land, and is very wary. He tries an attack, and is re- 
pulsed, and then he tries again. Now he plans in one 
way, and then in another, to encompass the foe. The 
Summer and the Winter are alike to him. He keeps the 
enemy before his eye, and seizes the opportunity that may 
be offered him ; so must every right-minded minister of 
the Word. The failure of to-day rouses him to a greater 
effort to-morrow. One method has failed, and he tries 
another. The time is long, and he despairs of success ; 
but he must bethink himself, and hear the voice of his 
Master, saying — " Cast the net on the right side of the 
ship, and ye shall find." Does any one suppose that a 
ministry conducted in this spirit shall ever eventually 
fail 1 It cannot be, and even if it did, we may say — 
" Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorified." 
It has been my aim, all through my ministry, to conduct 
it on this principle, trying not to be exalted by apparent 
success, and not to be depressed by seeming failure. I 
am not conscious of having prepared less when small 
congregations were to be expected, than when I reckoned 
on a large one ; nor ever once laid aside a discourse which 
had been prepared because the Sabbath proved to be 
severe, and many were hindered from coming to the 
church, reserving it for a better opportunity. I thought 
of the value of one soul, and tried to encourage myself in 
the Lord my God. 

Truly 1 have been much favoured in the congregation 



136 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



committed to me during the greatest part of my ministry. 
On the severest days we have had great assemblies, 
especially if it was a day of the collection for any of our 
missions or charities. Nothing seemed to deter the people 
on such an occasion. One of the largest offerings ever 
given to our Foreign Mission was on a day of one of the 
fiercest storms ever witnessed. The people have en- 
couraged me by their attendance, and I have tried to 
encourage them by always preaching as well as possible. 
I sought to convince them that nothing; was to make a 
change in my services, and they knew this. Let a 
minister once excuse himself by making the severity of 
the day a pretext for a defective service, and he has com- 
mitted a serious blunder, not easily to be repaired. When 
Dr. Cooke was minister of Donegore, early in his pas- 
torate, a severe snow storm came on a Sabbath morning. 
Only a few individuals made their way to the church. 
They assembled in the session-room, and proposed he 
should have the service there. He declined to do so, and 
held it in the church. He went through the whole of the 
usual exercises. He preached with unusual power that 
day. The few who heard him published it abroad. The 
whole parish heard of it, and I have been told that the 
effect of that day lasted through all his ministry in 
Donegore, and the severity of the Sabbath morning did not 
hinder a good attendance for the future. 

This story was told to me early in my ministry, and 
it was never forgotten, nor did it ever cease to influence 
me. It reminds me of Paul's motto — " Praying always 
with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watch- 
ing thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for 
all saints." Nor should the minister ever forget the 
nature of the seed he is commissioned to sow. " It is the 
incorruptible seed of the Word." It can never die. It 



" THE GENTLENESS OF CHKIST." 



137 



may be long before it grows, or its fruit be gathered ; 
but it will appear one day in more or less abundance. 
Usually the more valuable the tree the slower is its 
growth. The poplar soon springs up, and as speedily 
decays ; but the enduring oak is tardy in its growth, and 
it is long before it comes to maturity. So may it be with 
the seeds sown in the minds of men by the ministry of 
the Word. It may seem as if it had perished, and no 
growth to be expected ; but the seed corn found in the 
hand of an Egyptian mummy, unrolled after many hun- 
dred years, on being sown in British ground, took root 
and grew, and brought forth of its kind. What a lesson 
to the sower of the good seed. Let its minister never 
despair, but take for his motto — " Onward and upward." 

GENTLENESS. 

I write of the Christian graces which adorn the minis - 
try of the Gospel, not because I have attained to them, 
but because, in writing of them, we learn what we ought 
to be, and see how far we come short of them, and may 
be stirred up to cultivate them ; and, at the same time, 
give thanks to God for the gracious influence of His 
Spirit, whereby we may have attained unto them in any, 
even the smallest degree. Thinking thus of gentleness, 
we find it occupies a large and conspicuous place in the 
requirements made of the Christian minister in the New 
Testament, — "We were gentle among you, as a nurse 
cherisheth her children." " The wisdom that cometh 
down from above is gentle." " The fruit of the Spirit is 
gentleness." " T beseech you by the gentleness of Christ." 
" The servant of the Lord must not strive ; but be gentle 
unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instruct- 
ing those that oppose themselves." In the Old Testament 
it is written more than once, " Thy gentleness hath made 



138 



LIFE AND TIMES OF BR. MORGAN. 



me great." This may be understood in various senses. 
One is that God is the author of gentleness in His ser- 
vants, and it is the fruit of His work in the soul. Another 
is, that it is not only the gentleness which He gives and 
requires, but that gentleness is produced in us by means 
of the gracious gentleness with which He has dealt to- 
wards us. 

It may be added that true greatness is found in 
gentleness. Some of the mightiest men the world ever 
saw — the heroes of their day — the eminently brave — have 
been the most gentle among their fellows. There is 
great force in the term commonly used to describe the 
man whom we can at once admire and love, when we 
call him " a gentleman. " This character is looked for 
eminently in the minister of Christ. All men feel how 
peculiarly appropriate it is in him who is the ambassador 
of the meek and lowly Jesus. Where a minister is 
destitute of this grace he is shorn of his strength. It is 
not incompatible with the greatest boldness and faithful- 
ness in the proclamation of the truth. The martyrs have 
had it in full harmony with their courage. It is a grace 
whose ingredients are of the best and purest kind, and it 
may be well for me to inquire into these at present. 

Gentleness implies lowliness of mind. As a man, 
especially a minister, possesses this, he thinks humbly of 
himself. Paul says of himself — " I am not meet to be 
called an apostle." " Unto me, who am less than the 
least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach 
among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." 
If any minister thinks highly of himself, of his attain- 
ments and labours, he will be powerless for good. 

This modesty and humbleness are naturally associated 
with quietness. In such a form gentleness may be appro- 
priately described in a minister of Christ as " the orna- 



"lowliness of mind." 



139 



ment of a meek and quiet spirit," which is in the sight of 
God of great price. In the eyes of man it adorns his 
character, and in the estimate of God it is counted of 
high value. In such a man there is no boastful telling of 
his doings, nor are there any aspirations after notoriety 
and popularity among men, nor any strivings for mastery 
among his fellows. His desire is to live in peace, and 
diligently cultivate his own field of labour, seeking the 
approval of God, and satisfied with that. Ambition 
must not be found in him ; on the contrary, he is ready 
to be overlooked or to bear injury. 

This gentleness is allied to patience. Such an one 
does not hasten to secure his own gratification. It was a 
good saying of one of the earliest Christian fathers — " A 
good man has few wants." How Paul exemplified this 
when he could say — " I have learned in whatsoever state 
I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be 
abased, and I know how to abound ; every where and in 
all things I am instructed both to be full and to be 
hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all 
things through Christ which strengtheneth me." 

Having this spirit it will be readily seen how gentle- 
ness associates itself with unselfishness. Such a man does 
not over-estimate his claims on others. Paul says — -" In 
lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than 
themselves." So far as this is our spirit, it makes us 
desirous to see justice done to others as much as to our- 
selves. It makes us ready to estimate them and their 
claims more highly than our own. This is the true secret 
for the observance of the golden rule — " Whatsoever ye 
would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to 
them." We place ourselves in their position, and, con- 
sidering what we would expect in it, we render that to 
others. 



140 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



Of all these elements which enter into gentleness the 
result is kindness. This is not merely that we are made 
willing to exercise self-denial or submit to wrong, but 
there is a constant desire to do good. Usefulness is ever 
found in connexion with gentleness ; it feels the wants 
of others, and would supply them. It is ready to feed 
the hungry, and clothe the naked, and comfort the sorrow- 
ful, and relieve the oppressed, and instruct the ignorant, 
and save the lost. The bodies and the souls of men are 
alike the objects of its care and sympathy. It is thus 
with this grace in the souls of believers, and especially of 
the true ministers of Christ, as we find it to be in nature ; 
the most efficient qualities are usually the most silent and 
unobtrusive. The dew falls at night when no eye sees 
it, and in secret when no ear hears it. When man rises up 
and goes forth to his labour, it is gone. It is by the result 
that it is to be traced : all things are revived and re- 
freshed : food is provided for man and beast. This figure 
is, in the Scriptures, applied to the instructor of men — 
"My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall 
distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender 
herb, and as the showers upon the grass." A double 
figure is used here. Water is properly associated with 
the dew. The sea roars and makes itself known in 
terrible majesty ; but the fountain of pure water gushes 
up unheard, and waits till he who shall draw it comes 
and bears it away to bless his household. How silently 
the moon shines in her brightness to guide the traveller 
on his way. The stars shine and sparkle, but there 
is no sound to reach the ear of him who gazes at their 
beauty. The sun goes his daily round, and dispenses his 
blessings to all ; but there is no speech nor voice 
that is heard. The Holy Spirit, too, enters the mind of 
man in silence and secrecy, and does His gracious work 



"the truth in love." 



141 



there, and we know His presence and power by the 
fruit thereof. 

Surely there is a lesson in all this for the servants of 
the Lord. Are we not taught in what spirit we should 
conduct our ministry ? It must not be with violence and 
loud words, but with love and gentleness. " Speaking 
the truth in love" is to be the motto of the Christian 
ministry. How far has it been acted upon by me ? I 
can truly say it is the course I have always prescribed to 
myself. Conscious of having come far short of it, nay, 
of having often violated it, I desire to be humbled before 
God. Yet God has enabled me, in some measure, to con- 
trol my spirit. As my ministry was lengthened out from 
year to year, I grew in the appreciation of gentleness, 
disliking noise, and bustle, and controversy more and 
more, and increasing in the cultivation of lowliness, and 
quietness, and patience, and unselfishness, and kindness — 
the elements that constitute the essence of gentleness. In 
this endeavour I have been made more strenuous by 
witnessing the vain struggles which some seemed to make 
for a name among men. Without a violation of charity, 
I mourned over the hurt thus done to themselves and 
others. This made me the more earnestly to walk in 
another course ; and I must not here forget how God 
placed me in happy circumstances for the cultivation of 
this grace of gentleness. None of my brethren who were 
associated with me in the eldership of the congrgation 
were a hindrance, but a help to me. They had fellow- 
ship with me in the unobtrusive spirit that became the 
rulers of the Church. No one of them ever was observed 
to exalt himself ; but every one of them was ready to be 
the servant of all. They were glad that their minister 
did not mingle in strife or angry disputation. The mem- 
bers of the congregation were of the same mind. 



142 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAJST. 



CHAPTER XI. 

PREACHING. — FRUITS. 

Selection of Texts — Variety of Subjects — Careful Preparation — The 
Gospel theme, Salvation : Full ; Free ; Personal ; Present ; Ever- 
lasting — The Platform — Meetings of the Bible Society in Carlow 
■ — Public Meetings in Belfast — Associated with Dr. Cooke and 
Dr. Edgar — Church Courts — Disinclination for these — Dr. Cooke's 
Remarkable Adaptation — Fruit of Ministry — Importance of this 
Subject — Acceptance with the People — Good Impression left in 
Carlow — In Lisburn — In Belfast — Instances of Fruit — John Hare 
—Mrs. T. — " A Minister's Recollections." 

JO)REACHINGr has been the business of my life, and 
J£T has never been absent from my mind since I became 
a minister. My custom has always been to make choice 
of my texts for the ensuing week on the evening of the 
Sabbath after my public services. My mind got no rest 
until this was done. At any time, when a text occurred 
to me, as furnishing good matter for a discourse, it was 
immediately noted down on a paper kept for that purpose. 
Thus I had always a number of such passages marked for 
sermons on some future day. I generally read over 
this list on the Sabbath evening, and then prayed for the 
guidance of the Spirit in making a selection, and very often, 
while engaged in prayer, other texts were presented to 
my mind. I am as sure as I could be of any communica- 
tion from an absent friend — a letter from his hand, and 
bearing his name — that the Spirit gave answer to my 
prayers in asking Him for texts on which to preach. I 
have frequently gone to the pulpit with the assurance 



SERIES OF DISCOURSES. 



143 



that God had placed me there to deliver a message from 
the Holy Ghost, not merely because the inspired Word 
was my theme, but because He had suggested to me that 
portion of it which it was the will of God I should there 
handle. Thus it came to pass that the want of a text 
never caused me any anxiety, and my difficulty lay in- 
variably on the other side. 

There were so many texts on which it seemed desir- 
able to preach, that it was often difficult to make a selec- 
tion. This difficulty was increased by a desire which 
I always had, to give a series of discourses on some 
extended passage of the Divine Word, or some subject 
that required illustration from many texts. As an 
example of the former, such a passage as " The Sermon 
on the Mount," or the Hundred and Thirtieth Psalm ; 
and of the latter, my " Discourses on the Holy Spirit." 

Nearly all my books are the result of one or other of 
these modes of exposition. Some, I know, object to this 
method of preaching. Mr. Spurgeon does so ; but herein 
I disagree with him. A series of discourses, well sus- 
tained, is fitted to leave a deep and lasting impression on 
the minds of the hearers. Some blessed fruits of my dis- 
courses delivered on the Hundred and Thirtieth Psalm, 
now thirty years ago, still remain. The order of my 
public services afforded a good opportunity for the culti- 
vation of this method, one being at eleven o'clock in the 
morning, and the other at half -past one in the afternoon. 
A variety was desirable, and I had usually a continued 
series in the morning, and then a discourse on a separate 
text in the afternoon. Both were equally well attended 
for many years : but it is to be regretted that a great 
change in this respect has been appearing within the last 
few years. Till then almost all the people lived around 
the church, and could go home and return again during 



144 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



the interval of an hour ; but of late they have been 
getting away into the suburbs and the country, so that 
they cannot go home and return. It is clear there must 
before long be some change in our arrangements. This is 
to me matter of much regret, because I am persuaded the 
two morning services are most for edification. 

An admirable course is pursued in most of the large 
towns of Scotland, where all the churches have morning 
and afternoon services, and one or two are opened in the 
evening for those who could not attend in the morning, 
and discourses are delivered by the ministers in their 
turn. It will be an evil day when parents cease to devote 
the Sabbath evenings to the instruction of their children 
and servants. Let me, however, express gratitude to God, 
who has so long permitted me to meet my beloved flock 
twice on the Lord's Day. I chose always to preach 
myself unless some stranger came, from whom I expected 
much benefit to the people, and often have not been out of 
my own pulpit on the Sabbath for many months together. 

It was always a pleasant thing for me to prepare my 
sermons, and this carefully and fully. During all my 
ministry in Carlow I wrote out a pretty full skeleton of 
my sermon, but occasionally the whole of it, and de- 
livered it after being committed to memory. In Lisburn 
I wrote more than a skeleton. All the thoughts to be 
expressed were put into sentences, although these were 
not written out at length. When I came to Belfast this 
plan was continued for some years. God gave me great 
facility of speech, which continued with me until the end 
of 1852, when I had been thirty-two years in the ministry, 
of which twenty-four were spent in Belfast. This was 
interrupted by the infirmity I have already alluded to, 
but the power of free speech was restored to me in the 
Bevival year of 1859. 



LIBERTY TO CHOOSE AN ASSISTANT. 145 



At this time God graciously restored all my early 
capacity for speaking, and He gave it to me in an in- 
creased measure. I have enjoyed and exercised it since 
for fifteen years, and have reason to think that these have 
been the most effective and powerful in my ministry. 
Almost every Sabbath, without an exception, I have had 
my two new sermons ; but another infirmity afflicts me 
now, which threatens to put an end to my preaching, being 
afflicted with headaches, and not able for my accustomed 
services. By the advice of my elders I have asked liberty 
for my congregation to choose an assistant and successor, 
and the Assembly has granted it. Lord, show whom 
Thou hast chosen. In the meantime let me bless the Lord 
who has privileged me to preach the blessed Gospel of 
His Son so long. Thanks be to His providence and 
grace, I have been enabled to cleave to the one gracious 
truth — a crucified and risen Saviour. 

The text of my first sermon, after being settled in 
Belfast, was, " I determined not to know anything among 
you save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified ;" and from this 
theme my ministry has never departed ; nor has any 
change taken place in my views of the great fundamental 
doctrines of the Gospel, though ever obtaining clearer 
light upon them, and deeper convictions of their truth 
and power. Thanks, eternal thanks, be given to the 
blessed Spirit of God, that my ministry may be said to 
have been an unvarying announcement of the angel's 
proclamation — " Behold I bring you good tidings of great 
joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born 
this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ 
the Lord." I have presented a full, free, personal, present, 
and everlasting salvation. Full, so as to meet all the 
wants of sinners ; free, without money and without price ; 
personal, so that whosoever believeth shall be saved ; pre- 



146 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



sent, for of all who believe it may be declared, " They 
have passed from death unto life ;" and everlasting, for 
those who are saved now are saved for ever. " Of Him 
are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us 
wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and re- 
demption." This has been the burthen of my ministry. 
This it has been my joy to proclaim — " God forbid that 
I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the 
world." 

I have no doubts and no regrets in regard to the doc- 
trines preached by me during the course of my ministry, 
but, in reflecting on them, can truly say, " I know whom 
I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep 
that which I have committed unto Him against that day;" 
and only one desire arises in me touching my ministry, that 
it may be the blessed means of leading many others to use 
the same words. All my aspirations, for myself and others, 
for time and eternity, may be expressed in my longing to 
join the redeemed company of heaven in the everlasting 
song of praise — " Unto Him that loved us, and washed 
us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us 
kings and priests unto God and His Father, to Him be 
glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." 

God, wilt Thou honour me, Thy most unworthy 
servant, as a shepherd to conduct a portion of Thy flock 
to the Lamb in the midst of the throne, who shall feed 
them and lead them unto living fountains of waters ? 

THE PLATFORM. 

Next to the pulpit, I have been much engaged on the 
platform, and made my first efforts upon it in the South 
of Ireland, at the meetings of the Bible Society. My 
remembrance is still fresh of the addresses delivered in 



PUBLIC ADDKESSES. 



147 



Carlow, and Baltinglass, and New Koss, and similar 
towns. When but a year or two settled in Carlow, the 
Committee of the Bible Society in Dublin asked me to 
speak at the annual meeting in the large room of the 
Kotunclo, but I trembled to think of doing that, and 
wrote, thanking them for the invitation, but declining. 
When I went to Lisburn, there was little to be done on 
the platform there, but its proximity to Belfast led to 
frequent visits and engagements of a public character. 
The Brown Street School-room, the Old Exchange, and 
the large room of the Commercial Buildings are fresh in 
my recollection, with the audiences and the addresses 
delivered in those places. A considerable interest was 
excited on one occasion by a speech delivered in Brown 
Street, in connexion with the Sunday School Society for 
Ireland, in which I defended the character of Primate 
Boulter, against an attack made upon him by Dr. Doyle, 
and showed that, exactly in proportion to the circulation 
of the Bible, and the teaching from its pages, so was the 
condition of Ireland's Provinces prosperous or the reverse, 
illustrating the argument by an appeal to the respective 
condition of Munster, Leinster, Ulster, and Connaught. 
This speech was largely reported in the newspapers, and 
attracted not a little attention, being especially acceptable 
to the members of the Church of England. After this 
time, my invitations to Belfast for public meetings were 
frequent. I remember Dr. Montgomery congratulating me 
on the success of these appearances. Probably this was 
one of the means which God pleased to use for bringing 
me to a Belfast congregation. That issue never entered 
into my mind. I am not conscious of having once 
thought of it, and never desired or sought such an ap- 
pointment, but was disinclined to come when it began to 
be spoken about, and it would have been my own choice to 



148 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



have remained in Lisburn. I was, however, induced to 
consent when called, by the urgency of many friends, who 
considered that the reasons which existed for my removal 
there could not be overcome. 

On my settlement in Belfast, much preparation for the 
platform had to be made. I attended almost every 
religious public meeting of any importance. As causes 
and societies multiplied, so did the calls on my strength, 
and time, and resources. Speaking on the platform was 
easier to me than preaching from the pulpit. I felt more 
at liberty and less restricted by formal preparation. My 
speeches were well meditated, and were made long or 
short according to the circumstances which might arise. 
All I needed was to understand distinctly the subject 
committed to me, and then to get my thoughts into a 
clear arrangement. Had I attempted to speak without 
an order pre-arranged in my mind, the result would have 
been a failure. But whenever the course was made clear 
in which my thoughts were to run, all was easy and 
pleasant. It was thus possible to take advantage of any 
fresh ideas which might arise, putting them into their 
right places, or of illustrations from passing incidents, or 
arguments suggested by what had fallen from others. 
Thus was a fresh opportunity given for extended useful- 
ness. I was greatly strengthened in it by the pleasant 
fellowship in which I commonly found myself at these 
public meetings. Dr. Cooke and Dr. Edgar were my 
almost constant companions on these platforms. We had 
one object, yet had usually very different ways of viewing 
it, and this gave variety to the proceedings, and doubtless 
great good was done. They and others treated me with 
much indulgence and partiality. They gave me their 
confidence and affection, and the remembrance of my 
intercourse with them is very pleasant. No record of 



PUBLIC ADDKESSES. 



149 



these speeches lias been preserved beyond some mere 
jottings which would not be intelligible. The addresses 
themselves are lost, except so far as they may be preserved 
in the columns of newspapers. If the speeches of my 
companions and myself were now collected, they would 
form an interesting history of the times, so far as the 
state of religion in Belfast is concerned. But they served 
their purpose at the time, and were blessed to many 
happy issues. My part in them made a large addition to 
my ministerial labour, but the burthen did not oppress 
me. Night after night, and day after day I was enabled 
to occupy my place, and was refreshed by these en- 
gagements for my own more immediate congregational 
duties. 

The most impressive and telling addresses which the 
Lord enabled me to deliver were on the occasion of the 
annual meetings of the Belfast Town Mission, and once 
at the formation of the Sabbath School Society in con- 
nexion with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. A 
minister of the Free Church of Scotland was with me at 
the last named, and when we came home he asked for the 
notes of my speech, and I gave him a few lines, the only 
written preparation I had made. But all this is past 
now. Thanks be to God, who enabled me to speak so 
long. God, let me praise Thee, for all the opportunities 
and facilities and success Thou hast given me in this 
department of labour. May the seed sown grow through 
the quickening influences of the Holy Spirit. And do 
Thou raise up young men and ministers to carry on this 
blessed work. Forgive all the sin and evil Thou hast seen 
in myself and my labours ; and, unworthy as they must 
be in Thy sight, yet do Thou accept them for the sake of 
Jesus Christ, Thy Son, my Saviour. Amen. 



150 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



CHURCH COURTS. 



I never had the same liking for these as for the pulpit 
and the platform. The reason was, the conflict of senti- 
ment usually found in them ; not that I disapproved of 
them or thought they could be dispensed' with ; very far 
otherwise. They are to be regarded as Divine institu- 
tions, essential to the liberty, extension, and purity of 
the Christian Church. Sessions, and Presbyteries, and 
Assemblies, are in accordance with the will of God, but I 
did not consider myself well fitted for the special and 
peculiar work given to them. I felt towards them as 
towards the civil courts of the country. They are 
essential, but they are not pleasant. I disliked their 
argumentations, and formalities, and delays, yet they are 
inestimable blessings to the land, and are indispensable. 
There are men with minds adapted to them, who take 
great pleasure in them, but I am not one of that number. 
There are some of my brethren, in whom the grace of 
God abounds, conspicuous for the qualifications which 
they possess for the business of Church Courts. Dr. 
Cooke was eminent in this department. I never saw any 
man who could control a public assembly as he did. He 
did not seek to do it, but he did it. All, somehow, deferred 
to him. When everything was confusion, he would rise, 
and, in a few words, dispel the darkness, and all would 
be in order. I am thankful to see a similar power in my 
brother, Mr. Macnaughtan, not at all equal to that of 
Dr. Cooke, but most serviceable and effective. God thus 
raises up the agency that is needed by the emergencies 
of His Church. We ought to be thankful for it, and ever 
confide in Him. The word is sure which our blessed King 
and Head uttered before He left this earth : " Lo, I am 
with you alway, even unto the end of the world." 



PUBLIC ADDKESSES. 



151 



But, while conscious of my deficiency for the ordinary 
duties of Church Courts, I have yet had my place in them, 
which should be acknowledged gratefully to the praise 
and glory of the grace of God. My brethren seemed to 
think there was something I could do, and they were ever 
most willing to accept this at my hands. Perhaps my 
abstinence from mixing myself up with their debates gave 
me greater power in another direction. If there was some 
work to be done in the formation of a mission, or the 
establishment of a college, or the choice of a professor, it 
was somehow expected that I would appear and take my 
part in it. Thus have I been connected with many of 
the most important movements of our Synod and As- 
sembly. The Foreign Mission thus arose out of an address 
delivered to the Synod of Ulster on that subject. No 
doubt, the time was come, and a mission there would have 
been ; but it pleased God to give me the honour of pro- 
posing it, and seeing it carried unanimously. It was the 
same with the establishment of the Belfast Presbyterian 
College. A speech delivered at Cookstown laid the foun- 
dation of the whole movement. I was also requested 
to nominate some of our most eminent professors for 
the chairs they occupy to the great benefit of the Church. 
The same confidence was reposed in me (and I was blessed 
so as not to disappoint it) in assisting to obtain four addi- 
tional chairs, and endowments for them, in the Belfast 
College, from the Government of the day. 

It is also with peculiar gratification I remember the 
part which was assigned to me in introducing the subject 
of increased ministerial support in the Assembly and the 
Church. Several very carefully-prepared addresses were 
delivered by me on that subject, and for several years I 
assisted in the business arising out of that question, con- 
tinuing to do so until £10,000 a year were added to the 



152 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



stipend of ministers throughout the Church, and younger 
brethren were obtained to relieve me of the work, while 
still the Assembly insists on keeping my name on the list 
of its conveners. 

What reason, then, to be thankful for the place my 
gracious Master has given me among my brethren, even 
where it might have seemed as if I could do nothing ! 
The Lord has afforded me an opportunity of most exten- 
sive and enduring usefulness. Here are institutions which 
shall last while the Church endures. When I am dead 
and forgotten, fruit will be gathered which shall last for 
ever. In all this, God, let me see and adore Thy 
providence and Thy grace. Thanks be to Thee, for the 
place Thou hast given me among my brethren ! For the 
forbearance, and kindness, and confidence they have mani- 
fested towards me, blessed be Thy holy name ! Lord bless 
them all, and make them a blessing, and may their work 
endure for evermore. 

FRUIT OF MY MINISTRY. 

What has been the fruit of my ministry ? The Lord 
knoweth, and the day of judgment will reveal it. Solemn 
thought for me ! " Son of man, I have made thee a 
watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the 
word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. 
When I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die ; and 
thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the 
wicked from his wicked way, to save his life ; the same 
wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I 
require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, 
and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked 
way, he shall die in his iniquity ; but thou hast de- 
livered thy soul." Surely this is a text from which it 
is well for me to preach a sermon to myself. Have I 



FAITHFUL DEALING. 



153 



been faithful ? I have sometimes feared that sinners were 
not dealt with by me severely and plainly enough. Yet I 
have not failed to speak and remonstrate with them. 
Where sin was manifest, as in the case of intemperance, 
it has been my custom to speak very plainly, not only in 
public but in private, and every hearer knows 1 have not 
given an uncertain sound. But it always seemed to me 
desirable to deal with such persons so as not to lose my in- 
fluence with them ; therefore it has been in great tender- 
ness and kindness. Has it not been too much so ? God 
knoweth wherein my ministry has come short. The Lord 
pardon His servant, who needs to be washed in the blood 
of cleansing. I cannot stand on any part of my own 
work ; defilement attaches to every exercise when it is 
judged by the holy law of God. My outward labours 
may have been all right in the eyes of men, when their 
motive and spirit, as seen in the heart, must be con- 
demned. There is no hope for myself or my labours but 
as they are accepted in Christ, through the merit of His 
blood, and the efficacy of His intercession. Looking away, 
however, from the poor and worthless instrument, what 
has been the fruit of my ministry, through grace ? It is 
right to entertain this question, inasmuch as God is 
pleased to bless His own truth, even when it is spoken 
by the unworthy. So said Paul — " Unto me, who am 
less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I 
should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches 
of Christ." Judging myself and my ministry thus, I can 
look back and say, God hath been with me ; there are 
many things for which it becomes me to bless His name. 

I ought not to overlook the fact, that in all places 
of my ministry God has preserved me from any- 
thing that might have disgraced it in the sight of men. 
God has kept me, and to Him be the glory. Not only 



154 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



so : He lias given me acceptance with my congregation 
and with the community wherever I have been. The 
changes of place through which Providence has led me 
were contrary to the desire of those to whom I ministered. 
My removal from Carlow, and then from Lisburn, were 
not with the consent of my flock in either place, and 
when an effort was made to separate me from Fisherwick 
Place, and put me into a professor's chair in the college, 
my congregation resisted it ; and when I took their view 
and remained with them, they made me a present of £600. 
Is there not reason, then, to own that God has given me 
favour in the eyes of those committed to my charge ? 
Thus far, at least, there has been evidence of the accept- 
ance, if not of the success, of my ministry. For this let 
my gratitude be recorded to the blessed Master whom I 
have served, and to whose sovereign grace is due what- 
ever He has enabled me to be or to do for His glory. 

There is more, however, not to be forgotten to the 
praise of His name. There are various circumstances in 
which it is sufficiently plain that good has resulted from 
my ministry. In my first settlement at Carlow, I left an 
auxiliary to the Bible Society, which has remained to this 
day a great agency for good. It was the means of an 
extensive revival of religion in the town and country, 
which has never been spent, but continues still to bring 
forth fruit. The little congregation that was formed 
there has passed through many changes and various 
fortunes, having had no less than five or six pastors since 
I left it, but these have been all godly men, and cannot 
have laboured in vain. Even had they done so, and had 
the little flock ceased to exist, it could not be said that 
my work there had perished ; but there have been many 
proofs to the contrary. If Presbyterianism had ceased to 
be known there, I would still rejoice in the gracious 



CONGKEGATIONAL SCHOOLS. 



155 



influences which were brought to bear on other churches, 
and by means of which souls were, and are, and shall 
continue to be saved and blessed. In Lisburn, as well as 
in Carlow, there arose a strong evangelical sentiment 
which still abides. Its proximity to Belfast has brought 
me into contact with many of the families to whom I 
ministered in Lisburn, and their confidence and affection 
has never been withdrawn. But above all, let me look to 
Belfast when I would contemplate the fruit of my mi- 
nistry. What has it been there ? The town in which it 
was maintained, the congregation of which I was the 
minister, and the connexion of both with a great commu- 
nity gave it a most influential and responsible position. 
What has been the fruit of my ministry in Belfast ? It 
may be gathered from many things. 

Here commenced the congregational Sabbath schools, 
with suitable buildings for their accommodation. There 
was no school-room in connexion with a congregation of 
any denomination in Belfast on my coming to reside 
there. That of Fisherwick Place was the first, and then 
others followed in rapid succession, until it is now the 
universal rule that every church shall have its own 
school-house, and its own daily and Sabbath schools. A 
church may be begun without the school-house, but so 
soon as it can do so, the congregation will add this 
necessary appendage. It is counted a part of the 
machinery essential to complete the requirements of the 
church. 

Again, it may be recorded without presumption, that 
God enabled me to set an example of pastoral visitation 
which had not previously been practised in Belfast. 
There were good and faithful ministers, but any system- 
atic visitation of their congregations by weekly announce- 
ments on the Sabbath-day did not prevail. This practice 



156 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



was begun at once, and pursued earnestly and diligently 
for many years. Happy results grew out of it. The 
pastor and the people became better known to each other, 
and were more closely united. The practice recommended 
itself to others who were brought into new congregations, 
and the habit is now general in the churches of Belfast, 
to make public announcement of the visitation in certain 
districts, and on certain days in the ensuing week. This 
is a practice to be greatly commended. All families ought 
to be separately visited according to the Apostolic ex- 
ample : "I taught you publicly and from house to 
house." The same may be said of the public administra- 
tion of baptism. In the Synod of Ulster at least, this old 
practice had ceased to be followed in Belfast. Private 
baptism, to the best of my knowledge, was universal, and 
much evil arose out of it. A sacred ordinance was too 
often made the scene of revelry. We began in Fisher- 
wick Place with my own son, and, thus introduced, public 
baptism has been the rule of the congregations. 

In the same way a prayer-meeting was begun in the 
middle of the week. This has been maintained through- 
out my whole ministry, with brief interruptions in the 
Summer season, when the people are largely absent, and 
great good has resulted from it. The habit is now uni- 
versal in the congregations of the Assembly in Belfast. 
It adds an important public service every week, and gives 
an opportunity to exercise the gifts of our elders in prayer, 
who usually take a part in conducting the service. 
Nor must I omit to notice that it was in Fisherwick Place 
the practice arose of observing the Lord's Supper four 
times instead of twice in the year. This change had 
appeared in a few congregations through the country, but 
had not reached Belfast. It is now the universal habit 
there. How blessed the results, who could tell ! 



ENLARGED IDEAS ON GIVING. 



157 



But, above all, a great impetus was given by Fisherwick 
Place to the duty of pecuniary contributions to the cause of 
religion. This was little understood in those days. When 
our church was built a heavy debt lay upon it, and it 
was not supposed that the congregation could even attempt 
to pay it— from £3,000 to £4,000. The idea was that 
help should be sought in distant places ; but, after a little 
time, we had meetings and conferences upon the subject, 
which resulted in a subscription of about £1,000. This 
gave us an idea of our own strength such as we had not 
before. From that day the tone and measure of giving 
were greatly enlarged. What was done for ourselves 
stimulated us to give for others. Mission after mission 
was established, and the readiness to sustain these grew 
exceedingly. AVhile we were paying off our own debt 
from year to year, we were also giving as freely for new 
churches and the Foreign Mission. Towards the Foreign 
Mission the annual collection has varied from £300 to 
£400 during the last thirty years. This example has 
been matter of general observation, and has been well 
fitted to exercise a good influence upon others. No 
doubt it has done so, more or less, though not to the 
extent that could have been desired, or might have been 
anticipated. The collections in many places are still 
miserably and shamefully small, but I trust it shall be 
given to my beloved flock to say : " Let others do as they 
will, we will serve the Lord." In due time God will cause 
such an example to exercise its legitimate influence. 

For all these signs of fruit let me bless the Lord. Yet 
it must be remembered that they are only signs. All 
these which have been recorded may be the outward 
appearances of fruitfulness, while yet little if any real 
and spiritual good has been done. The question is, have 
souls been converted ? Are there those of whom it can 



158 LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 

be said, "This man and that man was bom there"? It 
behoves me to consider this question and to answer it. 
It will be asked at the day of Judgment, and it is well 
to ask it now. The consideration of this ought to be a 
profitable exercise to my own soul. Lord help me while 
I look back over the history of my ministry, and try to 
call to remembrance examples of the Divine blessing in 
the conversion of sinners. No doubt there may be many, 
and I trust there are, of whom nothing is known to me, 
and very inaccurate judgments may be formed respecting 
others. But still there are some cases so marked that 
they can hardly be mistaken ; and it will be a refresh- 
ment to my own mind to think of those who appeared to 
be seals of my ministry, whom I have regarded as my 
crown and joy, and with whom I hope to spend a blessed 
eternity. 

JOHN HARE. 

On my going to Carlow, I remained a short time in 
the hospitable house of Mr. Cox, and afterwards went to 
live with a Quaker family, that of Mr. Clarke, who kept 
boarders, and my agreement was to dine at the common 
table, and have breakfast and tea by myself. It was the 
first time in my life that I was entirely alone, and the 
solitude was depressing. Having a very small flock to 
look after, I was much in my own room, and felt my 
loneliness keenly. There was no one to call upon me. 
This depressing solitude, however, did not continue long; 
acquaintances and companions, who were formed in con- 
nexion with my ministry, increasing by degrees. There 
was then no preaching in Carlow that attracted any 
attention. My name and services began to be a little 
known, and one and another dropped in occasionally to 
see and hear this new method of worship. After a little 
time the arrival of a portion of the 78th Eegiment of 



FRIENDSHIPS FORMED IN CARLOW. 



159 



Highlanders, and their marching every Sabbath to the little 
church, brought us into some notice. I was seen very 
much with the officers and the men, and thus it began 
to be felt we had some position. In this way, the Presby- 
terian Church and minister came to be spoken of, and 
strangers began to look in upon us sometimes, but they 
were very shy, and seemed to be afraid to be understood 
as if they thought of connecting themselves with us. 
Among those who thus came, there were several young 
men, chiefly teachers, employed as assistants in schools. 
These were in different establishments, and were three in 
number, and all had a view to the ministry of the Estab- 
lished Church. To them my ministry became known, and 
gradually our acquaintance ripened into intimacy and 
friendship. They did not propose to leave their own 
church, but they attended often at mine, and to them all I 
have reason to believe my ministry was made useful. 
One of them was a strong adherent of his own church, but 
he was a godly young man, and, having finished his college 
course, he entered into the ministry of the Church of 
England. Another of these three became a distinguished 
teacher in Dublin, and, having taken orders, was usually 
engaged in reading the service in some neighbouring 
church. He removed to London, and there, a few years 
ago, heard of my being engaged to preach, and came to 
hear and see me. He met me with great affection, 
brought me to his house, spoke of the benefit he had 
received from my ministry in Carlow, and introduced me 
to his family, two of his sons being ministers in the 
Metropolis as well as himself. 

The third is he whose name is at the head of this 
section, and I must speak particulary of him. He was a 
native of Ballinasloe, and had come to Carlow like the 
others, as an assistant teacher. He dropped into our little 



160 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MOBGAN. 



congregation, and gradually was drawn into a regular 
attendance, and we soon became much interested in one 
another. We made an engagement together that he 
would breakfast with me every Monday morning at my 
lodgings, and both looked forward to that meeting with 
great pleasure. Our conversation was upon the one 
great subject of Salvation. He became much concerned 
about his soul. God gave him light, and our intercourse 
was blessed to his conversion and edification. These 
sweet and refreshing seasons of fellowship were con- 
tinued for a considerable time, and he grew in grace, and 
in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
But his health began to fail. He continued to teach in 
the school, however, and visited me on the Monday morn- 
ings as usual. At length he began to feel he must give 
up his teaching, and seek the rest of his father's house. 
We parted in sadness, and he went to Ballinasloe to die 
there. There was no Presbyterian minister in that town 
then, to whom I could introduce him ; but there was a 
godly minister of the Church of England, and I com- 
mended him to his care. This minister was the Eev. 
Patrick Pounden, well known in those days as a faithful, 
evangelical, and devoted servant of the Lord Jesus. He 
gave due heed to my letter, and attended to my beloved 
friend as I expected he would. We had no personal 
acquaintance ; but he wrote informing me of his state, 
mental and bodily. The disease increased, and soon 
wore down the poor tabernacle. John Hare died, and my 
good brother, Mr. Pounden, wrote to me a long account of 
his latter end, and told of his joy and triumph in death. 
They both spoke of my ministry as the means of his con- 
version. This was one of the first seals of my ministry. 
It has never been forgotten by me. Whether John Hare 
would have gone into the ministry of the Presbyterian 



FRIENDS IN CAELOW. 



161 



Church, or into that of the Church of England, it is im- 
possible to say ; but I have no doubt he went to the 
Church of the First-born in Heaven when he died, and 
that he became the companion of the spirits of just men 
made perfect. 

Let me add that I heard afterwards, with great sor- 
row, of the death of Mr. Pounden, by hydrophobia. I 
had recently an opportunity of seeing his son, who is a 
minister in the church of his father. 

mes. t ■ 

The name of this dear friend cannot be written fully, 
as there are some things in her history sad to think upon, 
and I do not know into what hands this manuscript may 
fall ; but when calling to mind the seals of my ministry 
in Carlow, this example cannot be omitted. My friend 
yet lives, and I enjoy her correspondence, and she never 
hesitates to speak of my ministry as the instrument of 
her salvation. Her mother was a remarkable woman, 
distinguished by great mental endowments, gracious 
affections, ardent zeal, and holy living. As soon as I 
began to preach in Carlow she attended, and became a 
constant member of the congregation. This was not 
because of our Presbyterianism, for of that she knew 
nothing, but she disliked the formality of her own Church, 
and had no interest in the preaching heard there. She 
united with us on account of the gospel which was found 
among us, and a precious friend and helper she proved to 
be. I was often in her house, and at her table, and 
enjoyed the friendship of her amiable and affectionate 
husband. He and his wife and their children attended 
at our church constantly. When about a year in 
Carlow, I was seized by a violent attack of typhoid fever. 
My friend was with me continually — almost never absent 

M 



162 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



from my bedside, and she had everything done that could 
be done for my comfort and recovery. When the disease 
had run its course, I was graciously restored, after an 
interruption to my ministry of three months. At the end 
of that period it was resumed, and my usual services were 
all begun again on Sabbaths and week-days. 

One of these was a meeting with the children of the 
congregation on an evening of every week, which was 
well attended, not only by the children, but by some of 
their parents. There was an examination on the sermons 
of the Sabbath, essays written by some of the young 
people who were sufficiently advanced for that exercise, 
an explanation of Scripture and of a question in the 
Shorter Catechism. Great interest was excited by these 
exercises, and I believe much good was done. Among 
my pupils none was more distinguished than she of whom 

I now write. K had great talents, and industry, 

and a desire to learn. As her years advanced, she 
grew in thoughtfulness, and, without any of the pecu- 
liar exercises sometimes found in conversions, she 
became matured in the Christian life. When grown 
up to be a young woman, E was asked in mar- 
riage by a respectable merchant, but the proposal was 
not agreeable to her parents, and it was given up at their 
desire, though not without great regret. Subsequently 
a minister of the Church of England proposed for her, 
and was accepted. He was a man of superior abilities, 
but their marriage was not a happy one. Her 

parents died, and R was left very dependent on 

her own exertions for the support of herself and her child. 
She betook herself to the Press, and writes for the 
periodicals of the day. She has published some volumes, 
distinguished by many excellencies, and, in all her works, 
seeks, above everything else, the glory of Jesus and the 



GOOD SEED. 163 

saving good of souls. I deem it a great honour which 
God has conferred upon me, to have been used as the in- 
strument of drawing her into the knowledge, and love, 
and service of Jesus. Who can trace the influences thus 
put into operation for the advancement of truth and 
righteousness in the earth ? When one seed is dropped 
and grows, how far may it spread and bring forth of its 
kind ! And so, when one soul is saved, how many may be 
influenced by it. This is God's way for the maintenance 
and propagation of the truth in the earth. No arrange- 
ments of man can secure such an issue. Our wisest plans 
may all fail, and our most reasonable expectations be dis- 
appointed ; but when God touches a sinner's heart, and 
the converted soul puts forth its energies to bring others 
into the blessedness it has attained unto, such zeal and 
effort shall not be in vain. Thus I thank God He has 
honoured me to be the means of salvation to one soul, 
which has become in its turn an instrument for seeking 
and labouring to be the means of saving and blessing 
others. 

Note. — I will not continue here other examples of 
the fruit of my ministry, such as those above given, be- 
cause there have been published already, in the first six 
volumes of " The Monthly Messenger," forty-seven cases 
of persons or events similar to them. To these I refer 
anyone who may wish to see them. They are very brief, 
and will be found under the general heading of "A 
Minister's Eecollections." 



164 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



CHAPTER XII. 

NOTABLE INCIDENTS. 

Greyabbey — An Incident in the Separation of the Remonstrants — 
Placed in a False Position — Public Excitement — Cholera — 
Suddenness and Rapidity of the Attack — No hesitation in 
attending Patients — Influence on the Public mind — Westport — 
Accompanies Dr. Horner — Difficulties of the Journey — Ordination 
Service — Return to Dublin — The Anti-Slavery Agitation — Attend- 
ing the Convention in London — Dissatisfaction at Home — How it 
was met — The Revival of 1859 : origin of it : its course and result. 

3£N a long life and ministry it is to be expected that 
J») many incidents will occur deserving of notice and 
special record. Some of them so involve parties still alive 
that it is not proper to describe them ; but others are of 
such a nature that they ought not to be allowed to die, 
and the remembrance of them may be profitable to others, 
and to me when I meditate on the history of my life 
and ministry, as it is my duty to do. Such, therefore, 
I purpose to consider and record as they may be brought 
to my recollection. May the Spirit of the Lord, whose 
office it is to bring all things to our remembrance, be 
graciously helpful to me in this exercise. 

GREYABBEY. 

I begin with this place, because a very serious affair 
occurred in connexion with it at an early period of my 
ministry in Belfast, which threatened greatly to affect 
and injure it. It occurred in the exciting time of the 



GKEYABBEY. 



165 



separation of the Eemonstrants from the Synod of 
Ulster. The minister of Greyabbey was one of the 
Eemonstrants, and he called a public meeting of his con- 
gregation to consider the propriety of withdrawing from 
the Synod, and joining the new Eemonstrant body. It 
had long been one of the congregations of the Bangor 
Presbytery, of which I was at that time a member. This 
Presbytery felt it to be their duty to attend at that con- 
gregational meeting, and protect the interests of the 
Synod, as well as of any of its members who might 
desire to remain in connexion with it. We went with this 
view to Greyabbey. A Eemonstrant minister preached, 
and afterwards it was proposed that the congregation 
should leave the Synod, and connect itself with the Ee- 
monstrants. The majority supported this proposal, but 
a respectable minority resisted it. We conferred with the 
minority, and, at their own request, agreed to supply 
them with the preaching of the Word, and the dispensa- 
tion of ordinances. Appointments were made out for 
this purpose, and, among others, a day was assigned for 
me to preach there. Those who preceded me conducted 
the public service in a room provided for that purpose. 
When I went on the day for which the appointment had 
been made, I was informed that the minister of the old 
congregation was from home, and that I was at liberty to 
preach in his pulpit that day. I did so, in the belief that 
there was no objection to my doing this. The next 
day I was distressed to learn that a magistrate in the 
neighbourhood had forcibly prevented the minister from 
occupying his own pulpit. That magistrate was present 
at my service, and neither he nor any other person told 
me of this violent proceeding. Immediately a public 
meeting was called in Belfast, to consider this outrage, 
and what should be done respecting it. A terrific clamour 



166 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



was raised by the Eemonstrant party. My position was 
a most unfortunate and suspicious one, and every effort 
was made to turn it to account for the ruin of my 
ministry, and the advancement of the Eemonstrant cause. 
My commencement in Belfast had been most auspicious. 
Many of the Unitarians— at least many who bore that 
name, and were connected with them — had taken pews 
in my church. The opportunity seemed to have come 
to arrest the progress of this course of things. I was 
greatly blamed and abused, and defended myself in the 
public newspapers, but it was under great difficulties. I 
could not tell all the particulars of the conduct of the 
magistrate who had arrested the minister, for he was the 
landlord of many of the people, and they were afraid, lest 
any offence should be given to him. He acknowledged 
his error, and got himself free from the illegal step he had 
taken. All the blame was cast upon me, and those who 
had acted with me. 

The majority went with the minister, and retained 
in their possession the church and all the congregational 
property. The minority were allowed no compensation 
for their loss, but were obliged to bear it, and provide a 
church and minister for themselves. The congregation so 
begun continues to this day. I had to bear the reproach 
cast upon me, while it was in entire ignorance of the true 
state of the case I had exposed myself to it. In a short 
time it came to be understood that, while I had been 
drawn into a false position, a great injury had been done 
to the minority, whose interests it was desired to pro- 
mote. It was admitted that it would have been well if I 
had not occupied the pulpit ; but it was felt also that the 
question of common property in the church should have 
been very differently determined, and that the minority 
were unjustly treated in being deprived of all interest in 



GEEYABBEY. 



167 



the Clrarcli of their fathers, while they alone adhered to 
the original doctrines, for the promotion of which the 
congregation had been established. As time advanced 
the great excitement passed away. It was matter for 
thankfulness that no injurious impression was made on 
my own congregation. They were satisfied I had done 
what seemed to be right. We grew and multiplied and 
prospered. Those who supposed they had ruined my 
ministry were disappointed. They found the stream too 
strong to be resisted. If I erred, God graciously par- 
doned and accepted me. 

Many lessons were taught me by the scene through 
which I had passed, and I earnestly desired that these 
might not be forgotten, but might be rendered profitable 
to me. It is now forty years since this circumstance 
occurred, and it is fresh in 'my memory. Probably there 
is no other person living who now thinks of it. The 
present generation have not even heard of it. It was a 
singular incident in my ministry ; no other like it ever 
occurred, and I was drawn unintentionally into it. Blessed 
be the gracious Providence that has preserved me from 
the recurrence of any similar scene. My life has been 
very tranquil, and my ministry a peaceful everflowing 
stream. I have had no more contention with any of the 
parties around me, but good-will has prevailed on every 
hand, and I am thankful to have the character of a man 
and minister of peace. 

THE CHOLEEA. 

I have been recording and reflecting on an incident 
which threatened and was calculated to have an injurious 
influence on my ministry at its commencement in Belfast, 
and at a time when it appeared to be very hopeful. No 
doubt it was a device of the wicked one for this purpose. 



168 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN". 



Let me now contemplate another incident which was 
fitted and blessed to have an opposite effect, and which 
occurred not long after this — I mean the visitation of the 
country by cholera. This disease first made its appear- 
ance among us in 1832, travelling from the East, and 
pervading the whole West of Europe. In Belfast it was 
very fatal, and created much excitement, the severity 
and suddenness of its attack causing it to be greatly 
feared. A few hours sufficed to run its ^course, and slay 
the victim. Among these was my kind friend, Mr. 
Thomas Ekenhead, who had been used by Providence to 
influence my life not a little. He had gone from Belfast 
to his sister's house at Cookstown, probably thinking he 
might be safer there ; but he had scarcely arrived when he 
was seized with the deadly sickness, and in a few hours he 
was no more. He was not a member of my congregation, 
but my intimacy with him was still maintained. It was 
a singular fact that no member of my numerous congre- 
gation died of the disease at that time. Yet I was much 
exposed to it. Sheds were erected beside the Fever 
Hospital for those who might be seized, and hundreds 
were taken and treated there. I visited them constantly, 
and did not think of my own danger : God kept me calm, 
firm, and peaceful. It was the same with all the minis- 
ters of the Assembly. I heard of only one minister of 
any denomination who did not visit the sick. He took 
the disease, and no other did. The conduct of the 
ministers was much approved, and raised their office in 
public esteem. I have sometimes walked between rows 
of patients, and talked or prayed with them as seemed to 
be necessary. My position was strengthened by the 
constancy of these labours, and I had reason to be thank- 
ful, not only for my own preservation, but for increased 
influence and usefulness in the community. 



THE CHOLERA. 



169 



The cholera ran its course, and when its purpose was 
served it disappeared. A few years after, however, it 
returned. It came again with great violence, and sud- 
denly hurst out in my congregation. On a Sabbath 
morning I had gone into the session-room after breakfast, 
as was my custom, and at nine o'clock was engaged in 
the meditation of my discourses for the day, when a 
gentleman came in hastily and told me his brother was 
seized with cholera. I went with him to visit my suffer- 
ing friend, and found him very ill. Having talked and 
prayed with him as far as he could bear it, on coming 
out of his house, I was met by a messenger from another 
house in the same street, requesting me to see a patient 
under the deadly disease, and I went. When there I was 
told there was reason to fear that something was wrong 
in the family of my dear friends hard by at Cromac, as 
the doctors were seen going in that direction. Imme- 
diately I went to the house of Mr. Edwin Blow, and 
found Mrs. Blow in cholera. Precious woman ! she was 
happy in the midst of her sufferings. After praying with 
her I left her house, but on the way heard of another 
who had been seized. I had not time to go to the sufferer, 
as the hour of public worship was at hand. I got to the 
pulpit in time, and preached twice, as usual. As soon as 
the services were over, I went round to all those visited 
in the morning. Three of them were dead. Mrs. Blow 
was one of them. We agreed to have her interred next 
morning. For that purpose we were met at the house 
by her brother, Mr. Arthur Miller, and a kind friend, 
Mr. John Cunningham. As we came out with the coffin, 
Mr. Blow became very sick, and we took him into the 
parlour, and laid him down on the sofa. We then pro- 
ceeded to the burial-ground, and interred his wife. I 
went down to Whiteabbey, where my family were lodging, 



170 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



and remained during the night, and in the morning 
hastened to Belfast, and went to see Mr. Blow. I found 
him dead. His son William was said to be sick up-stairs, 
and I went to him and saw him at the point of death. 
We agreed to bury his father that evening. During the 
day the son died, and we bore away father and son to- 
gether to lay them in the grave of the wife and mother. 
Mr. Cunningham appeared at their funeral, but Mr. 
Miller did not. We were anxious when we missed him. 
We went together to Whitehouse, where he lived, and 
as we approached were told that he was dead. Be- 
sides these, a niece and a nephew of Mr. Blow, who were 
at his house in Cromac, were seized, and died. The 
servant-maid was attacked also, and was taken to the 
hospital, and recovered. 

This irruption of cholera was a singular one. I did 
not know of any other similar to it, in which five of one 
family were snatched away within two or three days ; 
but the disease continued to rage, and many of our most 
valuable citizens died. Desolation marked our streets. 
There were not twenty persons at the funerals of Mr. 
Blow's family, where, in ordinary circumstances, there 
would have been hundreds. As for myself, I attended at 
them all when my services were expected, and God gave 
me health and resolution for all that was required of me. 
I never thought of gaining reputation by it, for the crisis 
was too solemn for such vain and selfish imaginations ; 
yet my ministry was much strengthened by it in the 
end. There was one gentleman whom I had found it 
hard to inspire with confidence in either myself or my 
congregation, although he was a member of it, and a 
constant attendant on its services. He was a good man, 
but very peculiar, and we bore with him tenderly and 
patiently. He was clever, and an observer of all that 



EESULTS OF THE VISITATION. 



171 



passed at this critical season. When the disease died 
away, and things returned to their former course, he sent 
me a letter, accompanied by a valuable present, acknow- 
ledging my labours during the time of the visitation, and 
asking me to receive the present in this view. From 
that day to the present he has been a warm, kind friend, 
and I have had much pleasant fellowship with him and 
his family. Nor was he alone in the impression made 
upon him. He seemed to have learned a new lesson, and 
to have discovered that ministers might be sincere and 
serviceable ; and so with many more. 

We ministers have it in our power to recommend our 
office by simply discharging our duty. To try to please 
men is mean and contemptible, but to please by faithful- 
ness to God and duty is well, and cause of thankfulness. 
My own ministry was served by the disastrous visitation 
which I have now called to remembrance. Let us learn 
to labour on with diligence and devotedness, avoiding all 
self-seeking, and God will protect our interests and ac- 
knowledge our unworthy and feeble endeavours. 

WESTPORT. 

I have been calling to mind and reflecting on two 
notable incidents in the history of my life, one unfavour- 
able and another favourable to the influence of my 
ministry. Thanks be to God that, in contemplating them 
together, it is my privilege to say, " I will sing of mercy 
and of judgment; unto Thee, God, will I sing." He 
hath made them to work together for good in their united 
influence on my own mind, teaching me to be watchful 
on the one hand, and yet trustful on the other. Let me 
now think of another incident very different from both 
these, and full of interest in the contrast which it presents 
between the habits and ways of the present time and 



172 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DE. MORGAN. 



those of the days about to be described. When about 
three years in Carlow I was appointed by the Presbytery 
of Dublin to go to Westport, in Connaught, in company 
with Dr. Horner, of Dublin, for the purpose of ordaining 
a young minister there. The journey was a serious one 
then in many ways — the expense of it, and the length of 
it. Neither of these difficulties, however, presented any 
obstacle to me. I now look back with some surprise at 
the readiness with which I was accustomed to undertake 
such labours in those days, when my pecuniary means 
were very limited, and travelling was so difficult. Some- 
how, it seemed to me to be a matter of course that God 
would enable me to do whatever was my duty. I would 
like to have always the simple trust of those early days. 
The Lord had given me, at that time, not a little of child- 
like confidence in His gracious providence. Would that 
it were always so ! 

I left Carlo w by the day coach for Dublin, a dis- 
tance of forty Irish miles, and, on arriving, went at 
once to Dr. Horner's house, and learned from him that 
we were to leave that evening, at eight o'clock, by 
the mail, which started from the Post Office, and would 
convey us to Westport, which was distant a hundred 
and eighty miles across the kingdom from East to 
West. We proposed to secure our seats, and I told Dr. 
Horner mine must be outside, on account of my liability 
to sickness by travelling inside. It was the day before 
Christmas, and he said I could not be allowed to go on 
the outside at such a season during the night. My place 
was therefore engaged inside, and we left the Post Office 
punctually to the appointed time, amid the splendid 
turn-out of perhaps a dozen admirably- appointed coaches 
destined for all parts of the country. That was a 
magnificent and exciting scene of the olden time. The 



JOURNEY TO WESTPORT. 



173 



perfection of the vehicles, the beauty of the horses, the 
dress of the coachmen, the armed guards, and the blowing 
of horns, attracted crowds of onlookers, and thus we 
departed amid admiration and great eclat. All went 
agreeably for a few miles ; but, as usual, I began to be 
sick, and had to get my head out of the window, but 
even this did not relieve me. I suffered on as well as 
possible, until the coach halted for a change of horses. I 
then got out, and, seeing a gentleman on the outside, 
asked him if he would exchange seats with me. This he 
was very willing to do, and he gave me a good cloak 
with which he had been provided for the night. We were 
not long on the road till snow began to fall. This, 
however, did not hinder or delay our journey, as the 
fall was not continuous, but came in occasional showers. 
All went on well till the morning came, and we 
arrived at Ballinasloe in time for breakfast, when we 
alighted and were refreshed. Immediately after we were 
on the journey again, and travelled on without interrup- 
tion all the day, over snow-covered hills, through Tuam, 
until we reached Castlebar in the darkness of the evening. 
Thence we started again without delay, and prosecuted 
our journey to Westport. I sat beside the coachman — 
a very small man, whose feet could scarcely reach the 
footboard on which they should rest. The road was nar- 
row, with ditches on both sides, and yet he had no lamps 
lighted, but drove fearlessly on in comparative darkness. 
I asked him why he had not lighted his lamps, and he 
said they were unnecessary. " Then," I rejoined, " you 
must have confidence in the good eyes of your horses." 
" Yes, sir," he said ; " they have one eye among them." 
Three were blind, and the fourth had one eye, which 
served for the four. However, a kind Providence con- 
ducted us in safety, and at about half -past one o'clock we 



174 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DK. MORGAN". 



reached Westport, on the second night, and got accom- 
modation at the inn. The next day we met the friends 
who expected us, and were refreshed by their company. 
The minister to be ordained was an old fellow-student, 
and from the same neighbourhood with myself — Mr. 
Eobert Creighton. There was also Mr. Glendining, a 
Scotch gentleman, agent of the Marquis of Sligo, who 
encouraged the Presbyterian cause in Westport, and whose 
hospitality we enjoyed. By his advice, Dr. Horner and 
I waited on the Marquis, with whom, and with the Mar- 
chioness, we had a pleasant interview. We got introduced 
also to the curate of the Established Church, Mr. Walker, 
who proved to be a truly godly and evangelical minister. 

Next day the ordination was proceeded with, and was 
attended by the Marquis and Marchioness of Sligo, and 
by the Eev. Mr. Walker. I preached the sermon, and 
God mightily helped me. He gave me unusual liberty 
and power. At the conclusion of it the sight of my old 
fellow-student, and the thought of our home-life, and the 
cordial welcome we had got, and the solemn work of 
ordination we had on hand, all conspired to overcome me, 
and I could not refrain from bursting into tears. The 
little congregation caught the sympathy, and was much 
agitated for some time, until I had recovered, and was 
enabled to conclude the discourse. We then ordained 
our brother, and Dr. Horner finished the service with a 
suitable discourse. The Marquis subsequently inquired 
if I would consent to live and exercise my ministry in 
Westport, and offered to make a liberal provision for this 
purpose. Of course, this could not be, and Dr. Horner 
and I took our departure for Dublin. We left Westport 
at four o'clock in the morning, and arrived at Ballinasloe 
about two in the afternoon. The coach that conveyed us 
went no further. We were told we must wait for the 



RETURN TO DUBLIN. 



175 



mail-coach from Galway, which was expected at four 
o'clock, and if there happened to be room we might get 
on by it. It arrived at the appointed time, and we found 
unoccupied one seat outside and one inside. Dr. Horner 
took the one and I the other. Thus, we were to have 
another night of exposure. Soon it began to freeze, and 
the horses got frightened ; they would not move forward. 
All that could be done was done to induce them to ascend 
a hill we had reached, but in vain. We who were out- 
side got down, and those inside came out, and we united 
and drew the coach up the hill. The horses were then 
put to, and they galloped furiously down on the other 
side. We were engaged for several hours in this inter- 
change of labour — the passengers pushing and draw- 
ing the coach up the hills and the horses bringing it 
down at full speed. At length we thus reached 
Kinegad, at a distance of forty miles from Dublin, and 
were four .hours late. We there changed horses and 
coachman. This latter had given me his great-coat all 
the night when I was sitting behind him, and drove with- 
out it. I handed it to him, with thanks, at Kinegad. 
" Sir," said he, " take it on to Dublin, and Pat, the new 
coachman, will bring it back to me." I accepted it 
thankfully, and got up again behind the driver. I was 
very sleepy, and a large gentleman beside me (a Scotch- 
man from Gralway) lifted and placed me on the other side 
of himself, so that I sat and slept between two gentle- 
men until much refreshed after the fatigue of dragging 
the coach. It was then the custom to fine the coachman 
a penny a minute for any time he might be beyond the 
fixed hour in reaching the Post Office. The poor fellow 
was thus in for four hours when he reached Kinegad. 
He handed up the reins to his successor, and said, " Pat, 
save me all you can." There was no reply in words, but 



176 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



there was a significant chirp to his horses, which they 
seemed to understand. They went off at a gallop, and 
never slackened their pace during the first stage. We had 
relays every ten miles, and every new set was equal to 
its predecessor. Pat accomplished the journey of forty 
Irish miles in four hours, and precisely as we drove into 
the yard of the Post Office the clock struck six, the ap- 
pointed hour for the arrival of the mail. So the one 
coachman saved the other a heavy fine. 

I went to a friend's house, and got into his warm bed, 
which he left for me, after giving Pat the coat to take 
back to his companion, and had only to get a sound sleep. 
I did sleep, and rose in excellent health, having taken no 
cold, but was rather refreshed by the journey. I re- 
mained in Dublin at the request of Dr. Horner, to preach 
the sermon to his congregation which I had addressed to 
the little flock at Westport. It was received with much 
acceptance in Old Mary's Abbey. One of our ministers, 
who was present, spoke to me about it some years after- 
wards, and told me he had never before been so much 
impressed with the power of the gospel truth. I had 
prepared this discourse for AVestport, but was induced to 
use it afterwards in many places, finding that it seemed 
to be always accompanied with unusual power. It was 
not forgotten in Dublin ; and some years afterwards, when 
a minister was to be chosen there to succeed Dr. Horner, 
a deputy from the session of Mary's Abbey waited on me 
to know if I would entertain a call from that congregation 
to be their minister. This was declined, as a call from 
Fisherwick Place had been presented to me ; otherwise I 
would probably have been settled in Dublin. 

How God has guided my steps, and guarded and 
preserved me ! In looking back, I seem to myself to have 
been walking by pit-falls, into any one of which I might 



"the world's convention." 



177 



readily have fallen, but an unseen hand has held and 
kept me safe. It may well be said, "It is not in man 
that walketh to direct his steps." My wisdom is folly. 
Left to myself, I would have gone astray at every turn in 
the road of my life; but God has guided me by His 
counsel, and will guide me to the end. In faith and hope 
let me sing, " Surely goodness and mercy shall follow 
me all the days of my life ; and I will dwell in the house 
of the Lord for ever." 

THE SLAVERY QUESTION. 

Soon after my settlement in Belfast, I was called on 
to take a part in the question of American Slavery, which 
had created very general and stormy agitation throughout 
the country. This movement had my hearty approval, 
attending public meetings, speaking at them, and occa- 
sionally assisting on committees, as my ministerial duties 
permitted. At the request of some friends of anti- 
slavery, I wrote an address to the Christian Church in 
America on this subject, and appealed to them as the 
followers of Christ to set their brethren free. This 
address was published, and largely circulated in this 
country and in the United States. Of course I became 
thus known as an uncompromising friend of the liberty 
of the slave. A conference of such persons, in both 
countries, was appointed to be held in London. Indeed 
it was designed to be an assembly of the friends of the 
slave and his emancipation gathered from all lands. 
When it met, the most familiar name given to it was, 
"The World's Convention." Eminent men were there 
from all places, and they represented all countries and 
conditions. A host of both men and women came from 
the United States. It was the first time I had been at 
any assembly of the kind, and was a spectator more than 

N 



178 LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN". 

a counsellor. Very soon it became evident that there 
were many discordant elements in the meeting, not in 
regard to the unlawfulness of slavery and the necessity 
for abolishing it, but on the ways and means of accom- 
plishing this desired end. Subordinate questions con- 
nected with it absorbed universal attention. One was a 
proposal that lady delegates from America should be 
enrolled as members of the conference, and have a part 
in the discussions, as well as gentlemen. This grated 
harshly on English feelings, and the contention was 
fierce and furious. Mr. James, of Birmingham, appealed 
in vain to the American delegates to forego this sub- 
ject. Time and talents were consumed upon it beyond 
all reasonable bounds. It was soon perceived that the 
contest appeared to be one far more for victory over 
opponents than for the overthrow of slavery. I continued 
to attend the meetings, but never spoke at them. There 
were many men of God there, but they were powerless to 
restrain the vehemence of the American delegates. These 
would have their way, and every whim was exalted 
into a principle that must be contended for unto 
death. At length some general resolutions were passed 
on the subject, and the conference came to an end. No 
other of the same kind was ever called again, and the 
cause was transferred to other methods of advocacy. 

On another occasion I was a witness in London to a 
scene in connexion with this subject of slavery, that gave 
me great pain. It had been proposed after the death of 
the honoured Mr. Clarkson, who was long distinguished 
as the earnest and faithful advocate of anti-slavery, to 
pay some public mark of respect to his family, in honour 
of his great services. A public meeting was called with 
this view, and a young lad, a grandson of Mr. Clarkson, 
was present, and he was brought forward with great 



THE SLAVERY QUESTION. 



179 



ceremony, while the cause so dear to his revered relative 
was committed to him. The poor boy, about thirteen or 
fourteen years of age, wept ; but this was the only feature 
of the case which I could speak of with approval or 
patience. The whole thing was most melancholy. Many 
anticipated the ruin of the boy from such a procedure— 
a large meeting in the City of London setting him up to 
honour him ! I never heard of him since. It is to be 
hoped he escaped the injury to which his unwise friends 
exposed him. If he has not been destroyed, it was no 
fault of theirs. Alas ! how often a good cause has bad 
counsellors. It proved to be so not in London only, but 
in Belfast. On our return from the conference, we said 
nothing publicly respecting it. Probably this silence was 
offensive to some advocates of the cause in Belfast. There 
seemed to be an expectation that the delegates should 
have made some noise about it, but this they could not 
properly do, and they kept silence. There was an obvious 
estrangement of certain parties who had formerly con- 
sulted and conferred with me. I said nothing, but at 
length intelligence reached me that the name of my 
beloved brother Dr. Edgar, and my own, had been 
removed from the list of the committee. Neither of us 
took any notice of this. By and by a manifesto came 
out denouncing us in plain terms. We made no reply. 
Then began a series of attacks at meetings, in the news- 
papers, and in wide spread conversation of the members 
of committee. These were long continued by one or two 
of my neighbours, until they appeared to be exhausted. 
Again and again we were called on to speak out, but we 
gave no response. We understood the orators, and so did 
the community, and the fire burned itself out. I bless 
God, who enabled me to pursue this course, of which, in 
reflecting upon it, I can now fully approve. Let me 



180 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



recommend the same course to others in similar circum- 
stances. We need not be hasty to defend ourselves. It 
was so with Jesus, and it is becoming in all His servants, 
especially in His ministers. "Behold, how great a matter 
a little fire kindleth ; " and this is eminently true of 
controversy. If an unjust accusation is allowed to pass 
unnoticed, in most cases it dies out and is forgotten ; 
but if, without special necessity, we enter on self- vindica- 
tion, attention is drawn to it, strong passions are excited, 
parties are formed, and the very evil sought to be hindered 
is increased. " Yielding pacifieth great offences." I believe 
this word, have acted upon it, and have experienced the 
happy results of silence. 

There was only one thing really to be lamented in 
connexion with this matter — the injury done to a good 
cause by unwise friends. This was eminently true of the 
cause of the slaves' freedom. In both this country and 
in America it was so. It is the belief of some of the 
wisest and best men in the United States that the 
freedom of the slaves would have been effected by the 
Congress long ago, in peace, had it not been for the 
extravagance, and fierceness, and haste of some of its 
advocates. Dr. Chalmers gave counsel on this subject 
many years ago, which might have prevailed had it not 
been for such men. He exhorted the Congress to pur- 
chase a day in the week, and give it to the slave, in which 
he might work for himself and earn money. With the 
money thus obtained he could soon purchase another day 
in the week. When he had two days he would find it 
easier to secure another and another, until the whole 
week was his own. Not only would he thus secure his 
freedom, but he would be prepared to use it better when 
he got it. This was the counsel of wisdom ; but it was 
disregarded. In reality, the emancipation of the slaves 



THE QUESTION" SOLVED. 



181 



in America was hindered and delayed by the unreason- 
able views of its friends. God was therefore pleased to 
take the cause into His own hands. And oh ! it was by 
fearful things in righteousness He heard the cry of the 
oppressed, and answered the prayers of their friends. 
The civil war of the North and South was His instrument. 
The South began it, and the North had to face it. The 
struggle was one of the most fearful the world has ever seen. 
It was not entered upon expressly for the liberation of 
the slave, but it ended in this. As it proceeded this 
element was brought into it more and more. At last it 
became the absorbing question. Not until this was dis- 
tinctly avowed did success set in, and victory after vic- 
tory crown the arms of the North. The North was forced 
into this position, and then all went well with it. Liberty 
is now the law of the great Western Continent. We 
have there another great Protestant free nation. What 
might not England and America do ? They might give 
laws to many nations — they might be the centres of peace, 
and piety, and prosperity in the whole earth. Liberty, 
civil and religious, might emanate from them, and pervade 
the world. May they know the day of their visitation, 
and faithfully fulfil the mission with which God has 
entrusted them ! 

THE REVIVAL OF 1859. 

The year of our Lord 1859 is one of the most memor- 
able in the history of Ulster. Never before or since was 
there anything similar to it, with the exception of the 
times of revival at the Six-mile-water and elsewhere not 
long after the Plantation of Ulster, and the settlement of 
the Presbyterian Church there. It pleased God to send a 
season of refreshing then, as if to cause Presbyterianism 
to take deep root in the land. The foundation was thus 



182 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DE. MORGAN. 



laid on which true religion rested in future years ; and an 
impetus was given to the cause of truth and righteousness, 
the force of which was felt through many generations, and 
was never entirely spent. The scenes of 1859 were very 
similar in many respects to those of the earlier date, and 
it is a pleasing exercise to me to record somewhat of this 
doing of the Lord. 

The revival had its origin historically in the United 
States. A great and growing movement had been ex- 
perienced there. Prayer and praise and the preaching of 
the gospel pervaded that land. We heard much of it by 
newspapers and periodicals, and "from travellers. The 
subject was introduced at a meeting of our Assembly in 
Derry. The ordinary business was suspended, and an 
evening devoted to special prayer, and addresses bearing 
directly on the need for a revival of religion in ourselves 
and our congregations. This gave a place to the subject 
in the minds of our ministers and elders which otherwise 
could not have been secured. The impression of that 
evening's exercises was very good. The members of As- 
sembly returned to their homes under its influence, and 
carried the subject into their pulpits and prayer-meetings. 
Special services began to be held very generally in the 
congregations, and these were soon owned of the Lord. 
The Spirit was poured out in many places, and a thorough 
awakening was manifested in them. Deep conviction of 
sin, earnest prayer for conversion and salvation, and peace 
in believing, marked this work of grace in every locality. 
The sins of intemperance and profanity, and kindred vices, 
disappeared before it from the public eye. 

The work was obviously similar to that which is re- 
corded in the Acts of the Apostles under the ministries 
of Peter and Paul and their fellow-labourers, the miracles 
of that day excepted, though the miracles of grace were 



THE YEAE OF GRACE. 



183 



substantially the same. A good account of this move- 
ment is given in a book by the late lamented Dr. Gibson, 
under the title of "The Year of Grace." The details in 
that work are deeply interesting, and, so far as I had 
opportunity to observe, most correct. In my own con- 
gregation there was very little outward excitement, but I 
have reason to know^there was much genuine experience 
of the power of the truth. The only external manifesta- 
tion was on the day of one of our quarterly communions, 
in the month of July, when, at the closing of my sermon, 
two young women fell at one time in their pews, and had 
to be removed. They were taken into the adjoining 
school-room, and were visited by many of the people. 
They spoke earnestly to all these, and uttered many noble 
sentiments, which were listened to with the utmost respect 
by educated people, ladies and merchants. None objected 
to what was said. 

Our prayer meetings on week evenings were crowded 
and earnest, but quiet and thoughtful. In their houses, 
I visited some who were strongly excited, but their words 
were reasonable and true. I saw nothing in my own 
congregation which could be condemned. I did see 
some, not members of it nor of any other church, who 
were subjects of strange bodily affections, which could 
not be commended nor well explained. It is not 
necessary to think that these were feigned, but they 
contributed in no way to the work of the Spirit in the 
heart, however they may have hindered or injured it. 
It is said that almost all such cases proved to be abortive, 
but it was not so with others who were calm and thought- 
ful and prayerful, and who found peace only in Jesus 
Christ, and became new creatures in Him. The examples 
which came under my observation were not essentially 
different from other conversions which have taken place 



184 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN". 



under my ministry throughout its entire history. They 
were more numerous, and distinct, and instantaneous, 
but in all essential features they were the same. I have 
had years oi; observation to test them, and am more fully 
convinced of their reality than was possible at the time 
of their occurrence. No doubt they have not all continued 
faithful. A few well known to me have gone back to 
their sins, but the proportion of such is not greater than 
has been seen in ordinary times ; on the contrary, it has 
been less, and from the year of the Eevival to the present 
time, I have been learning its extent beyond what was 
discoverable at the beginning. In the visitation of the 
sick, many cases of conversion have become known to me, 
of which I had no knowledge when they occurred in 1859. 

Eternity will disclose very many such that were 
unnoticed in this world. It is not to be supposed that 
such prayer and preaching and faithful dealing with 
souls as then prevailed shall prove to be in vain. God 
has said, " My word shall not return unto me void," 
and we must believe His testimony. We mourn over 
present deadness, but it is precisely what was to be 
expected, for it is in human nature to relapse into in- 
difference after any strong excitement. This is found 
alike in the individual and in the community, and we 
need to be on our guard against it. But even while this 
must be conceded, there are certain results of the Eevival 
of 1859, which still impress the public mind, and which 
will endure. 

Looking away from cases of individual conversion, 
there are fruits which show progress that had not been 
attained before. Some of these are to be found in the 
ministers of the Word, and some in the members of the 
Church. Ministers understand better than they did the 
design of their office, to be able to say of their hearers, 



KESULTS OF THE EEVIVAL. 



185 



" This man and that man was born there/' and to aim 
more at this issue, and never rest short of it. It is true, 
they may not act faithfully up to their conviction, but 
they have it all the while, and are in a condition to act 
upon it when God is pleased by His Providence or Spirit 
to visit and quicken them in the work of the ministry. 
Our ministers are now a different class of men from what 
they were previously to the recent Revival. They are, as 
a body, more competent to the work which God has 
given them to do. A progress has been made which we 
may believe will not be lost in the improvement of the 
ministry, and the same may be said about the congrega- 
tions. There is a general apprehension of the nature of 
conversion, and an appreciation of its importance and 
necessity, which did not previously exist. Such subjects 
are seen in a new light. 

While the case is thus in the pulpit and the pew it is 
perhaps still more so in the Sabbath-school. The teachers 
understand their work better. They know that while 
they are to improve their pupils in reading the Word, and 
in perceiving its meaning more clearly, they are to look 
for something higher and more vital. They have learned 
that souls are committed to their charge that they may be 
saved. What effects may be expected from this in both 
teachers and scholars ! 

To all this may be added the place felt to be due to 
the prayer-meeting, which is no longer an object of ridi- 
cule. There may be no taste for it, yet its propriety will 
not be questioned. In many places it may not be main- 
tained, yet in all it is felt it ought to be maintained. In 
short, the Revival has greatly served the cause of practical 
religion. This seems to me to be the great work which 
it has been the instrument of accomplishing. It may not 
have made us better theologians in the sense of discerning 



186 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



the great doctrines of the gospel more clearly,, but it has 
brought us to feel more deeply the necessity for their 
personal and practical application to the souls of men. 
We knew before the doctrine of original sin and the uni- 
versal depravity of men, but we have been taught to be 
more sensibly alive to these in ourselves and others. We 
knew the personal glory of Christ as " God manifest in 
the flesh," His perfect atonement, and gracious offices, 
but we are now more awake to the necessity for a personal 
interest in Him and in His work. We acknowledged the 
Holy Spirit in His deity and personality ; but we now 
feel more the importance of having Him to dwell in 
us, and of bringing forth His fruit in all goodness, and 
righteousness, and truth. Truly we need and should 
earnestly pray for a return of 1859. God has put words 
into our mouth which we should not fail to plead at His 
mercy-seat. " Wilt Thou not revive us again?" " Lord, 
revive Thy work in the midst of the years." 



FAMILY HISTORIES. 



187 



CHAPTEE XIII. 

FAMILY HISTORIES — CONCLUSION. 

BOUT the propriety of publishing fully the chapter 
under this title in Dr. Morgan's " Becollections," 
there might be some difference of opinion. He took 
a very deep interest in the families of his flock, and 
attached much importance to all events which concerned 
them. In contemplating these, he has not hesitated to 
leave on record some histories which appeared to him 
particularly instructive, but the editor has felt constrained, 
out of consideration to private feelings, to suppress a 
portion of them, and to record only so much as may be 
generally interesting. 

The following introduction explains their origin and 
purpose: — "My official relations and duties have, of 
necessity, brought me into close and constant intercourse 
with the families of the people. I could not help know- 
ing the family life and histories of many in whom I had 
a deep interest. Some of them are very instructive, and I 
think it well to reflect on a few which are more especially 
fresh in my recollection. There might be no limit to the 
multitude of which I could thus bethink myself, but a 
small proportion must suffice. To enable me the better 
and more fairly to contemplate the family life of others, I 
will begin with my own." This is followed by an account 
of his marriage on February 28th, 1823 ; the births of his 
children, eight in number, with the life history of each, the 
deaths of six of these, the marriages of three ; a chequered 
story, light and shade as in every household, all most in- 
teresting to him, but not equally so to the public. 




188 LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



To his children Dr. Morgan was ever a wise, affec- 
tionate, and faithful parent : for them he wrought, prayed, 
and practised self-denial. His journal abounds with ex- 
pressions of deep solicitude on their account, and earnest 
prayers for their salvation. To his daughter-in-law and 
two sons-in-law he manifested the same affectionate regard 
as to his own children — a regard which was fully justified 
by their strong and dutiful attachment to him. Towards 
one of them, Mr. Charles Finlay, he entertained a degree 
of love and confidence which would be natural only to- 
wards such a man ; and to Mr. Robert Carson, who resided 
under the same roof with himself, he expressed deep grati- 
tude for unwearied attention during his long and painful 
illness. No higher honour could be placed on any family 
than to have been the children of such a father, and no 
greater earthly help could they enjoy towards the know- 
ledge of the Heavenly Father than the recollection of such 
a life as his. God setteth the solitary in families, that 
His children may learn to say, " Our Father, which art in 
heaven." 

Towards the faithful and now venerable partner of his 
joys and griefs, he exhibited the chivalrous affection of a 
young man to the end of his days. The notice of their 
family life is concluded in the following words : — " We 
are both growing old ; yet, in the mercy of God, we are 
alive and happy. The Lord is making good to us His 
gracious promise — ' I will carry thee even to old age.' 
Our latter end is better than our beginning. We have 
all that heart could wish. Our trials are swallowed up 
in our mercies, and we may well take up the song to- 
gether — Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all 
the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the 
Lord for ever.' " 

To bring the families of his charge more vividly before 



FEOM PEW TO PEW. 



189 



his mind, my father was in the habit of entering the 
church occasionally and going from pew to pew, and con- 
templating the history of their occupants. " Here is one 
frequented by a careless, worldly family. What am I 
doing to awaken and influence them ? Another bears the 
evidences of mourning. Bereavements, trying to flesh and 
blood, have fallen upon its occupants, and they enter it 
with sighs and tears, because they miss the loved ones 
who used there to keep them company. What has been 
the effect of their trials ? Have they found consolation ? 
How much have they seen in me of the spirit of Him 
who came to bind up the broken-hearted ? Here, again, 
is another, no longer filled by those who once took their 
seats in it. I saw them die one after another. How far 
did my ministry conduce to their eternal happiness ? How 
am I to meet them at the judgment-seat of Christ ? Look- 
ing at this one, I remember when a solitary occupant sat 
at its door. I married him, and God has blessed him 
with a numerous family. All these I baptized, and they 
have grown up to manhood under my pastoral care. What 
has been the effect of my training upon them ? Has it 
been that of a good shepherd who led them into rich pas- 
tures, and will they remember me as the guide of their 
youth ? Here is an ever well-filled pew. The father, 
the mother, and the children are all there — always there 
on the Lord's Day. Let the weather be what it may, and 
let the attractions elsewhere be what they may, this pew 
is the place where they know they ought to be, and where, 
if health permit, they are sure to be in the providence of 
God. Their example is a powerful argument for constancy 
in attending at public worship. It encourages the pastor, 
and it encourages the congregation. It is blessed, and 
reflects a blessing. But here is a sad contrast. I never 
know whether it will be full or empty. Its occupants are 



190 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



creatures of circumstances. If any trifle occurs, it may 
prove a sufficient excuse for their absenting themselves, 
and an empty pew will represent their indifference to 
Divine things in the house of G-od. What am I doing 
for these careless ones ? Do I try to make my ministra- 
tions so instructive and attractive that they will be an 
inducement to such to attend upon them ? or do they 
find an excuse in the sameness, or tameness, or poverty, 
or unsuitableness of my discourses ? Then, with what 
interest do I look on the seats of those who have been 
born again under my ministry ! Well can I remember 
the day when these came to me with the inquiry — ' What 
must I do to be saved V I have sweet recollection of 
our conversation and our prayers together in the secrecy 
of my study ; and now I can bless God for those who are 
able to say — ' Being justified by faith, we have peace 
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,' and who are 
adorning the doctrine of God their Saviour. And here is 
one which represents a still higher type of godliness. The 
head of this family is a widow, rich in faith and good 
works — a Dorcas in the church. If there be poor to care 
for, wanderers to reclaim, I know where to find a ready 
agent — always willing, active, generous. The next pew 
is occupied by diligent teachers in the Sabbath-school. 
The intelligent countenance, the kindling eye, bespeak 
the Christian heart within. Are my instructions worthy 
to be conveyed to others through these ? and are they of 
such a character that their far-reaching influence shall be 
pure and wholesome ? Here, again, sits the high-souled, 
large-hearted, open-handed elder and his family, with 
whom the question ever is, ' What can I do, or what can 
I give for the honour of Christ V while, immediately ad- 
joining, there is another whose only consideration is, ' How 
little can we do, and how little can we give, without 



FAMILY VICISSITUDES. 



191 



altogether forfeiting our name and place as a Christian 
family?"' 

The second family history recorded in this narrative 
relates to very intimate and valued friends of his, once 
a numerous and prosperous family in Belfast, now entirely 
passed away. To revive their name or their story would 
call up painful memories, and to what purpose \ Their 
history is that of too many such — the old story, with a 
fresh illustration — godly, amiable, self-denying parents, 
broken down in fortune and in health by the misconduct 
of some of their children. The drink demon invaded the 
happy circle, and peace and prosperity are fled for ever. 
Passing over the sad details, however instructive, it is 
needful only to record the reflections with which that 
history is concluded — " What lessons are we taught by 
such a record as this ! Oh, what is the world in its 
brightest prospects ! How soon may its prosperity be- 
come adversity ! What a curse is intemperance ! When, 
oh ! when will reasonable men rise up against the habi- 
tual use of intoxicating drinks, and abjure them for ever ? 
What a difference between good and bad children ! 
They may be the highest of all blessings or the greatest 
of all troubles. The old proverb concerning them is 
true — ' Uncertain comforts, but sure cares. ? Yet, even 
through all these distressing changes, the goodness and 
mercy of the Lord are still apparent. Not all in this 
family have been lost. The parents were grievous suf- 
ferers, but I believe they now rest from their afflictions, 
and are of the dead who died in the Lord. Many a time 
and oft have I thought on the history of this family, and 
I cannot call up anything in the conduct of the parents 
that might account for the misbehaviour of their chil- 
dren. It is a fearful responsibility under which children 
are reared, to consider and reward the anxieties of their 



192 LIFE AN"D TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



parents, and not distress and destroy them. May God 
fulfil the promise — ' He shall turn the heart of the 
fathers to their children, and the heart of the children 
to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a 
curse.' " 

The third history relates to a family with whom Dr. 
Morgan had much intercourse from the beginning of his 
ministry in Belfast for many years : — " Very soon after 
my acquaintance with them the mother of the house fell 
into bad health. She lingered long, and I was much with 
her. Eventually she died, and there was hope in her 
death. My long attendance upon her gave me a place in 
the family which otherwise might not have been possible. 
There were several sons and daughters, and they con- 
tinued to live happily together. All things went seem- 
ingly well with them, and they were industrious and 
well conducted, and constant attendants on the ministry 
of the Word. After a time one of the daughters became 
greatly concerned about her soul's welfare. She was very 
clever and handsome, and highly educated. She wrote 
reports of my sermons weekly, and brought them to me 
to be corrected. Her views became clear and decided, 
and she attained to peace in believing." This bright 
picture also became clouded over by the sin and folly of 
some members of the household. Intemperance among 
the sons, and unfortunate marriages by the daughters, 
sowed the seeds of misery and desolation. Passing over 
the detail of these events, the narrative continues thus : — 

Fifty years ago my friend bought three acres of ground 
in the immediate vicinity of Belfast, for which he paid 
£300. For a time it was valuable only as grazing land, 
but soon changes came : a road was made through it, 
and my friend's property increased greatly, but this 
prosperity did not compensate for his trials. These 



NO WILL MADE. 



193 



were many and great in his children. His sons distressed 
him by their evil habits, and his daughters by their bad 
marriages. He failed in health, and fell into a painful 
illness. One evening I returned by coach from Dublin, and 
found that a message had been sent to me during the 
day that he was unwell. I went instantly to visit him, 
some miles distant, and found him very seriously ill. I 
asked him if he had made his will, and, to my surprise, 
learned that he had not done so. I insisted on his doing 
it then, but he refused. He was obstinate, saying he 
would make it when he was better, but not till then. I 
reminded him he might never be better in this world, 
and that if he died without a will all his property would 
go to his eldest son, who had too much already, while his 
daughters would be destitute. All was in vain : he re- 
fused to do anything. I got a table, with pen and ink, 
and sat down by his bedside, and asked him to allow me 
to make a will for him — a thing which I had never 
done before. It was written — •" I give and bequeath all 
of which I die possessed, in money, lands, or otherwise, 
in equal parts, to my several surviving children." This 
was read to him, and he was asked who should be his 
executors. He yielded, and named two. I inserted their 
names, got two witnesses, and had all duly signed by him 
and them. I promised to have this given to his solicitor, 
who would put all into due form, as I did not know how 
to do so ; but that in the meantime this document would 
guard against any fatality. Having then spoken seriously, 
and prayed with him, I went home, and returned the 
next morning to see him, but found him speechless, and 
during the day he died. 

After the funeral I brought his sons and sons-in-law 
to my house, and told them what had been done in the 
matter of the will, and they expressed their great grati- 
o 



194 LIFE AND TIMES OF DE. MORGAN". 



tude. I said there could not be a full and proper detail 
of items in the document, and that hence there might 
arise misunderstandings, so that I wished them to promise 
that they would never go to law with one another on 
account of it ; but that in the event of any difficulty it 
should be referred to mutual friends, and decided by 
them. They all agreed to my proposal. About a month 
after I found they had each been consulting his own 
lawyer, and eventually the property was put into 
chancery. The suit began and continued, and continued 
until the whole estate was consumed, and was sold by 
auction to pay the law expenses. Thus all my anxiety and 
efforts went for nothing ; but I had done my duty, and 
that was enough. One of the daughters wrote me a letter 
some time ago, from a foreign land, telling me of their 
great poverty and distress. I sent money several times ; 
but gave up doing so, as there was no use in sending it 
to be consumed by an intemperate husband. 

What lessons are here ! Drunkenness, drunkenness. 
This is the monster evil of society. It cries, " Give, 
give," and is never satisfied. How vain our wisdom and 
contrivance ! I thought I had succeeded in securing 
everything, but it turned out that nothing was secured. 
Intemperance was more than a match for all my careful- 
ness. How great is the foolishness of the young ! No 
warning seems to be regarded by a young woman when 
her affections are gained by the most worthless man. She 
has no doubt that she can influence and reform him. 
Has he not told her so ? And how could she doubt him ? 
With young women it largely lies to put an end to 
intemperance. Let it be a law with them to refuse the 
addresses of any man who uses intoxicating drink. They 
should agree together to encourage one another in this 
resolution. They should do so for their own sakes, for 



CONVERSION OF M. G. 



195 



the sake of their parents, for the sake of young men, and 
for the sake of society. Thus would the community be a 
great gainer. 

GEACE ABOUNDING. 

I omit the notice of other persons and families in 
which sin and sorrow were seen by me in close connexion. 
Alas ! how many such might I recall, and there is one 
feature sadly prominent in them — families who had risen 
in life to great prosperity and happiness, ruined by the 
misconduct, especially the intemperance, of sons when 
they attained to manhood. I might record many instances 
of another class, in which parents laid the foundation of 
bodily and mental disease in their children by the same 
cause, but it is not necessary for me to do so. God knows 
it all, and the Judge of all the earth will do right. Let 
me rather refresh my spirit by thinking of a different 
class, in whom God magnified His grace by their conver- 
sion and subsequent life of godliness and usefulness. 

M. G. was the daughter of ungodly parents in an 
humble condition of life. She was taught in our Sabbath 
school, and was an attendant on my ministry as well in 
the class for young communicants as in the public 
ordinances. She had long been concerned about her 
salvation, but had not attained satisfaction. At length a 
singular providence befel her which was overruled for 
good, and out of sin God brought salvation. While 
anxious about her soul, she was induced by some girls of 
her acquaintance to go away with them by train for an 
excursion on the Sabbath-day. "When the amusement 
was over, sad thoughts arose in her mind, and turned into 
the bitterness of self-condemnation. She saw her sin in 
an aggravated light and mourned over it. From the 
thought of one sin her mind was led on to others, until 
she was deeply convinced of her sinful nature as well as 



196 LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 

of her life. She came to me in the spirit of penitence, 
and made full confession of all. I endeavoured to deal 
with her faithfully and lovingly. Being well instructed 
in the doctrines of grace and very intelligent, she could 
readily enter into the views presented to her of the way 
of salvation, and peace was found in believing. In her 
the word was verified : " Where sin abounded grace did 
much more abound." Not long afterwards she was 
married, and removed to another part of the country. 
M. G. was very industrious and clever in business. She 
had several children, and as they grew up a sore domestic 
controversy began to embitter her life. Her husband was 
a Eoman Catholic, and, of course, it was promised before 
marriage that the mother should have her own way in 
religious matters, and she never doubted that she would 
be able to influence her children and lead them in a 
right way. But she was taught her mistake. All her 
children must be committed to the direction of the priest- 
hood. Sad disputes ended in separation from her husband. 
She continued her own business alone and prospered. 
Her kindness to her father's family was great, and in 
their troubles she was their friend and deliverer. When 
her father was in his last sickness, she discovered 
all the earnestness of a Christian daughter, meeting 
his wants, faithfully dealing with his soul, until she 
felt convinced that God had given him repentance unto 
life, and burying him with all the respect and honour 
she could render to his memory. I write of things that 
occurred many years ago, and M. G. lives still, a consistent, 
godly woman. 

CONVINCED OF SIN. 

G is a young man of whom I am naturally led 

to think in connexion with M. G., from the similarity in 
the manner of their conversion. He was the child of 



HISTORY OF G 



197 



godly parents, reared carefully by them, and trained in 
our Sabbath school. As soon as his years admitted it, 
a suitable employment, was selected for him, and the day 
arrived when he must enter upon his engagement. His 
family were from Scotland, and a Scotch town was to be 
the place of his residence. When he went to his place, 
the men with whom he was to be associated required him 
"to pay his footing," as it is called. The rule was 
imperative, and the money was paid. When night came 

they adjourned to the public-house, and G- was 

forced to accompany them. It is probable that he had 
never used intoxicating drink in his father's house, but an 
exception must be made on this occasion. Drink was 
given to him and he became intoxicated. The next day, 
when he saw into what he had been betrayed, anguish of 
soul seized upon him. Sickness of body and sorrow of 
heart became his portion. In his bitter exercises, this 
one sin suggested the remembrance of others. As he 
thought of their multitude and grievous aggravation, he 
wrote the sentence of condemnation upon himself. The 
Holy Spirit convinced him of sin. Deeply humbled, he 
sought salvation, and it was revealed to him by the same 
Spirit, in Jesus. He believed, and rested his agitated 
soul on the bosom of the Saviour. In due time, when he 
was fully established in the faith, an account of all that 
had happened was sent by him to me, and I had joy in 
learning how grace had triumphed over sin, and all that 
has since been heard of him is in harmony with the record 
I have now written. 

A BRAND PLUCKED OUT OF THE FIRE. 

Somewhat similar to the cases of M. G. and G., but 
greatly aggravated, was that of another who must not be 
forgotten. This was a poor fallen sister, who found a 



198 LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 

refuge in the Female Penitentiary, when broken down 
by sickness and destitution. The matron of this institu- 
tion was at that time a member of my congregation, 
a most zealous Christian woman, who was deeply solici- 
tous for the conversion of the inmates. Among others, 
this poor sinner was saved. When her conduct had in- 
spired confidence, she was permitted to attend public 
worship at my church, and this liberty was not abused. 
Eventually she left the penitentiary, and obtained em- 
ployment in one of our mills, earning there a respect- 
able livelihood, and embraced every opportunity in her 
unoccupied evenings to gain instruction. She attended 
long on my class for communicants, and got a good 
knowledge of divine things, until prepared to come to 
the Lord's Table. She was admitted, and continued to 
walk worthily of her Christian calling. I noticed her 
often going into one of the unoccupied rooms at our 
church, and learned from her that she could find no 
place for private reading, and prayer, and meditation 
in her own lodgings, and thus sought it in the room 
where it was usual to come for instruction. She 
was made welcome, and gladly embraced the privilege. 
After a few years of holy and consistent conduct this poor 
girl fell into consumption and died. Her end was peace. 
I wrote an account of her life, and gave it to Dr. Edgar, 
the founder of the Female Penitentiary. He somehow lost 
it, which I have not ceased to regret, for it gave a good 
example of a "A brand plucked out of the fire." 

JAMES JOHNSTON. 

Reflecting upon the past, the name of James Johnston 
comes to my remembrance. He was born at Kircubbin, 
and was closely related to a family whose sad history I 
have already written. James came to Belfast, and was 



AN EFFICIENT HELPER. 



199 



placed in the Provincial Bank, where my good elder, Mr. 
Guthrie, presided as manager. He came to our Sunday- 
School, and was constant in his attendance on public wor- 
ship. He early became a communicant, after attending 
my class for special instruction on the Lord's Supper, 
and soon gave signs of decided piety. He was greatly 
esteemed in the bank, and having grown towards manhood 
he was promoted, and was sent to the South of Ireland. 
He spent some years in Dublin, and I think also in Cork 
and Galway. At length he was made manager of the 
Branch Bank in Banbridge, and my acquaintance and 
intercourse with him were renewed. In all places 
where James had been he was most active and useful, be- 
loved and esteemed. In Banbridge he did a great work. 
He was a very earnest Presbyterian, and set himself to 
serve the Presbyterian cause in the most efficient way. 
He soon got influence in the large congregation of Mr. 
Anderson, and sought to use it for good. He found its 
pecuniary interests unsatisfactory, and had them set right, 
labouring on until a large arrear of stipend due to the 
minister was paid, amounting to several hundred pounds. 
He induced the people to make new arrangements, and 
greatly to enlarge the income of the minister. He took 
a deep interest in the schools, and got a large and con- 
venient school-house built adjoining the church. When 
the revival of 1859 came, he laboured most assiduously for 
its promotion, and aided zealously in helping forward the 
erection of a new congregation in the town of Banbridge, 
where an excellent young minister is now placed in a 
good church. But his health, hitherto good, began to 
suffer by the appearance of consumptive symptoms. He 
was advised to try a voyage to Australia, and agreed to do 
so. As soon as this was known a great feeling of sym- 
pathy arose in Banbridge. The bank he had so long 



200 LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 

served dealt liberally with him, and advanced funds for 
his support. Two ladies (sisters), to whose pecuniary- 
affairs he had given attention in the bank, sent for him, 
and, with characteristic liberality, made him a present of 
£200. He sailed with the prayers and tears of many 
friends, and arrived safely at his destination, but his 
health was not improved, and he was advised to return 
to his own country. He left by the first opportunity ; 
but as the voyage advanced, so did his sickness. There 
was on board a godly minister of the Church of England, 
who at once waited on him, and continued to minister to 
him till his death, which soon took place. James died at 
sea, and the poor body was committed with prayer and 
sorrow to the great deep. This minister came to visit his 
aged and godly mother, and gave her all the consolation 
that could be afforded by an account of his happy death. 
We all wait to meet him when the sea shall give up its 
dead. 

" THOU SHALT FIND IT AFTER MANY DAYS." 

From this sweet remembrance of our beloved friend, 
let me now turn to another scene that presents itself to 
my grateful recollection. A brother minister in the 
country asked me to preach for him, and I went. While 
walking around the church after service, the sexton met 
me, with whom I entered into conversation. He told me 
his wife had been a hearer of mine in Lisburn, and would 
greatly like to see me. I went in with him to his house 
and met her. In conversation, she recited the history of 
our early intercourse. She told me she was an attendant 
on my class for communicants, and had received much 
spiritual good from it, and had now reason to believe that 
the services connected with the Lord's Supper on that 
occasion had been the means of her vital conversion to 



CHRISTIAN LIBERALITY. 



201 



God. The sermon, and the text, and the words blessed 
by the Spirit to this end, were still fresh in her recollec- 
tion, and she related what had especially impressed her. 
It was very refreshing to me to hear her husband's testi- 
mony to his wife's Christian deportment. 

In the same house, I met another woman who also 
held an official place in that district, being employed as a 
Bible-woman. I knew her and her history well. Her 
conversion took place in Belfast, under my ministry, and 
she had long given evidence of deep and devoted piety in 
a life of singular activity and usefulness. Besides these, 
one of the elders of the congregation was an old and 
well known friend of mine who had been brought up in 
his school and apprentice days in Belfast, and was all that 
time in attendance on my ministry. He had attended 
my weekly class for several years, and a very troublesome 
boy he was. I bore with him, however, for he was 
interesting in many ways, and still hoped for good in 
him. He left Belfast when his apprenticeship ended, 
and went to reside on the Continent, and attend to the 
business of his house. I felt that this was a perilous step, 
and dreaded the issue. My friend returned after a year or 
two, and seemed to be very careless, if not unbelieving. He 
got employment in the country, and his old habits of 
church-going and hearing the word were revived, under a 
godly minister there. He married a pious young woman, 
and invited me to go and visit them. I went and found 
him earnest in religion, surrounded by workmen to whom 
he ministered, and to whom I had the privilege of 
delivering an address. Thence he went and obtained an 
interest in other works at a distant place, and here I found 
him. He was most useful ; busy in the Sabbath school, 
and occasionally lecturing to the people. He had made 
money, and was most generous to every righteous cause, 



202 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DE. MORGAN. 



and is still distinguished by Christian liberality. A 
gentleman met him one day, and said, "What do yon 
mean by giving such large sums of money to religious 
purposes ? Do you think that will save you ?" At once 
he replied, "I do not give that I may be saved, but 
because I have been saved." Then addressing his neigh- 
bour earnestly, he added, "Why do you not give your 
money ? Is it not because you have not been saved ? " 

Such were some of the scenes witnessed on my visit 
to the place whither I had gone. The recollection is 
pleasant and refreshing. It shows that the ministry of 
the Word is not in vain. Time tells its story. Let us 
work and wait, and we shall see the fruit of our toil. 

DECEMBER 1871. 

Three years have passed since I wrote the preceding 
pages, and as it has pleased God to spare me so long, it 
may be well to add a few thoughts to the former 
" Eecollections of my life." Within the three last years 
some very important changes have taken place affecting 
my congregation and myself. Two years ago I felt it my 
duty to take some steps towards obtaining an assistant 
and successor in Fisherwick Place, in accordance with the 
liberty sought and received from the G-eneral Assembly. I 
addressed the congregation on the subject, and desired that 
they would take this matter seriously into their considera- 
tion, and adopt such measures as might be necessary. In 
the meantime I invited them to meet with me for special 
prayer, that we might commit ourselves and our interests 
to God and seek His guidance and blessing. They 
assembled in large numbers, and at our first meeting I 
expounded the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, 
especially explaining how the brethren, on the occasion 
related there, had proceeded in the election of an apostle 



CHOICE OF A SUCCESSOR. 



203 



in room of Judas. Two persons had been nominated, 
both believed to be fitting for the office, and no doubt a 
diversity of opinion existed in the church respecting them. 
It was resolved to commit the decision to God by means 
of the lot, and earnest prayer was made unto Him that 
He would thus make manifest which of the two He had 
chosen. It was obviously assumed that ail would acquiesce 
in whatever was thus found to be the will of God. 
Matthias was chosen, and was accepted by the whole 
Church. I pressed this fact on the attention of the 
congregation, and showed them the lesson it taught us, 
and the example which it was our duty to follow. It 
was the privilege of our Church to select any minister 
they might consider suitable to occupy my place, and 
then, if more than one is proposed, to commit the 
decision to the Lord by prayer, and to count him chosen 
who should have the majority of votes by those entitled 
to express their opinion in that way. This counsel was 
acceptable to the congregation, and was graciously and 
happily acted upon in all our future proceedings. A 
meeting was shortly afterwards announced and held, to 
ascertain the mind of the congregation. I called upon 
those assembled to name any one they desired. Some 
were accordingly suggested, and we had a vote for each, 
to learn the relative number of their supporters. An 
application was made to the Presbytery, to take a poll for 
the brother who had the majority of votes. The Presby- 
tery sent a commission and he was elected, but not unani- 
mously. Then appeared the good fruit of our former 
meeting, and of the reading and expounding of the 
Apostolic precedent — all acquiesced in the decision of the 
majority. A unanimous call was therefore proposed, and 
in due time forwarded to the brother who had been 
chosen. His Presbytery met, and he placed the decision 



204 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DE. MOKGAN. 



in their hands. They declined to loose him from his 
congregation, and so he remained in it. We called 
another meeting, and proceeded to the next name on the 
list of those formerly proposed. A vote was taken for 
him and he was chosen by a majority, but not unani- 
mously. Again the minority yielded and affixed their 
names to the call, so that it became unanimous. It was 
forwarded to the Presbytery of Aberdeen, and accepted 
by Mr. Williamson, and so he became my assistant and 
successor, and was installed as such on the 15th of 
March, 1870. I had then been fifty years in the ministry, 
having gone to Carlow in February, 1820, thence to 
Lisburn in May, 1824, and thence to Belfast in Novem- 
ber, 1828. Mr. Williamson has proved himself to be a 
most worthy minister of Christ — godly, able, affectionate, 
and humble. To me he has been all I could desire 
personally, and he has been steadily growing in the 
esteem of the congregation. 

Subsequent events have proved how seasonable the 
appointment of my assistant was. At that time, although 
my health and vigour were not such as they had long 
been, yet I was competent to a large amount of labour. 
I could preach once on the Sabbath without any difficulty, 
and sometimes twice. I could walk well, and visit from 
house to house all the day without being fatigued. It so 
continued with me for the first year of Mr. Williamson's 
ministry, but about the end of that time a serious change 
began to appear. On the night of the 26th of November, 
1870, I was awoke about twelve o'clock by a difficulty in 
breathing. In a short time it became alarming, and my 
family were raised from bed, and our physician sent for 
immediately. He came at once and gave me strong 
stimulants, and applied mustard to my chest and shoulders. 
In the course of about half- an -hour I was relieved and 



DECLINING HEALTH. 



205 



fell asleep completely exhausted. Similar attacks, but 
less severe, returned in December and January, but 
seemed to be overcome in the following spring and sum- 
mer. Still, I was not so vigorous as formerly. I had 
difficulty in breathing if I ascended a hill, and could not 
endure fatigue as in former times. When the autumn 
came my infirmity increased. An eminent physician, 
who was also an old friend, examined me, and concluded 
that there was an affection of the heart. My own doctor 
thought my illness was mainly from indigestion, and that 
the heart was influenced by sympathy with it. I do not 
know how this may be, nor am I much concerned to 
know it. It is evident that I am declining in strength, 
and gradually, if not rapidly, drawing towards death. I 
have had nightly attacks of the bad breathing several 
times since the winter set in, and lie down every night 
not knowing how soon I may be called to suffer. But I 
have found it to be good for me to be thus afflicted, 
living in the prospect and anticipation of death at no 
distant period. I have heard the Voice that saith to me, 
" Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die, and not live," 
and desire to appropriate the assuring word, " There is 
no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus." I 
have no other hope, and need or desire no other. Jesus ! 
Jesus ! Thou art all my salvation and all my desire, and I 
close my book, and, when the Lord will, my life, with 
the blessed assurance, "All things are yours, whether 
Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, 
or things present, or things to come — all are yours, and 
ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's." 

NOVEMBER, 1873. 

Thus far are the " Recollections" of my father's life ; 
and, from the time at which the narrative concludes, he 



i 



206 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



gradually declined in health, often suffering much, and 
sometimes rallying for a while. The death of his dear 
daughter, Maria Carson, little more than a year ago, 
weighed heavily upon him ; but the grace of patience was 
sufficient even for this heavy affliction. I find among his 
papers a sheet of observations, written very lately, recall- 
ing the sad circumstances connected with this event ; but 
I do not feel at liberty to publish the details of an occur- 
rence so recent, and still so vivid in the memory of the 
living. Let it suffice to say that the power which sus- 
tained him through this and many other trials did not 
forsake his dying pillow. Carefully tended by a loving 
wife and other friends, he fell asleep in Jesus on the 
morning of the 5th of August, 1873. The last words I 
heard him utter were, " Thank God, thank Grod." 

It is not needful for me to expatiate on Dr. Morgan's 
character and influence. The foregoing " Recollections," 
combined with the journal which follows, supply materials 
for a sufficient estimate of these ; but a few features of 
his life, as they impressed themseves more particularly 
upon my own mind, may not be out of place. 

I never met any man who gave to all about him a 
stronger impression of entire devotion to one aim — the 
glory of Christ. An unswerving love and loyalty to His 
Master was the prevailing principle of all my father thought 
or did, and this gave a unity and consistency to his whole 
character which has seldom been surpassed. The con- 
viction which early took hold on his heart of the reality 
and value of that salvation which is revealed in Christ, 
must have been strong indeed ; for, however moods, and 
health, and circumstances, and even opinions about many 
things might vary, there seemed to be no change in this 
respect. As his spiritual life began so it continued, and 
so it ended, in the love, and faith, and service of the 



HATRED OF SLANDER. 



207 



Lord Jesus. A few weeks before his death he wrote to 
me — " My nights are very bad, and I get no sleep ; but 
all this is more than compensated by the sweet fellow- 
ship I have with the Father and the Son, through the 
Holy Spirit." In this fellowship he lived and died. 

Early devoted to the best Master, and faithfully ad- 
hering to His cause through a long career, it is no 
wonder that the life of Dr. Morgan should have proved 
honourable and successful. Many men of greater genius 
have left little mark for good upon the world. His 
life furnishes a notable evidence how much can be accom- 
plished by one man, whose heart is right, and whose 
conduct is consistent. Strong in faith, and persevering 
in duty, he exerted a wholesome influence while he lived, 
and gave an impetus to godliness which will survive his 
memory. 

During my father's last illness the names of Christian 
friends, some of them living, many of them dead, were 
constantly on his lips ; for he was a lover of good men, 
and the remembrance of them was precious to his heart. 
His whole spirit was distinguished by Christian charity. 
The fatal sickness of his friend Mr. Wallace, the mission- 
ary, caused him deeper sorrow than the sufferings of his 
own body, and he expressed a wish that they might both 
die on the same day, and be buried beside each other. He 
was almost equally exercised about the apparently hopeless 
illness of an esteemed Episcopalian minister in Belfast, of 
whose state he made frequent inquiries. " He is," said 
he, "a true man." This brother has been mercifully 
restored. 

My father could not endure slander. He followed an 
invariable rule when he encountered it, by the question — 
" Are you prepared to state, in the presence of the person of 
whom you speak, what you have now related to me?" I 



208 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN". 



remember on one occasion, when at the dinner-table at 
home, one of his children related an unkind story about 
some person. He very quietly said — " Have you any 
good to tell us about him ?" " No." " Then, hold your 
tongue." He delighted to recognise good wherever it 
was to be seen, and in however small a measure. He 
never magnified people's faults, nor took pleasure in ex- 
posing them, and I am aware of instances in which he 
suffered material injury about which no complaint ever 
passed his lips. 

Much of his success was owing to the remarkable 
prudence with which he guided his affairs. When I was 
leaving home one of his advices was — " Owe no man 
anything. Let your income be what it may, live within 
it. I was richer on £50 a year than I have ever been 
since." And the same prudent foresight marked all he 
did, and enabled him to be generous. His contributions 
to works of piety and charity were munificent. During 
the last year of his life I find, by a memorandum among 
his papers, they amounted to £100. He was economical 
of his time as well as of his means ; rising every morning, 
Winter and Summer, at six o'clock, he devoted some 
hours to the study of the Scriptures. At eight the bell 
was rung for family prayers, then breakfast, and by nine 
o'clock he was ready for the road, always in again punctu- 
ally at four for dinner, and at seven for tea. 

None of her sons ever contributed more to the spiritual 
life of the Presbyterian Church than Dr. Morgan, and, 
through his own church, to the vitality of true religion 
in this land. Out of the abundance of the heart his 
mouth spake. From the mount of prayer and meditation 
he descended to the business of life. Thence he drew his 
influence for good. But he was no dreamer. I remember 
him telling me that he took little pleasure in reading a 



LOVE OF TRUTH. 



209 



book unless lie had some special purpose to serve with it. 
He placed little value on thoughts unless they were 
realised in actions : hence his immense activity. He 
went about doing good ; and the town of Belfast will 
long bear witness to his unwearied labours for the welfare 
of its inhabitants. Not only in the Church to which he 
belonged, but throughout society, his influence was pure 
and elevating. His energy, charity, and integrity were 
known to all men, and respected by all. 

I never met a man of stricter veracity and upright- 
ness. Meanness and falsehood were his special aversion. 
In his own family he would forgive anything but a lie. 
This was to him the sum of all wickedness. Indeed, a 
lie could scarcely live in his presence. That deep brow 
and calm, clear eye seemed to read men's thoughts, and 
evinced a penetration into human character altogether 
remarkable. This insight led to much moderation in 
speaking and judging. Lowly in his estimate of himself, 
and alive to his own deficiencies, he delighted to give to 
others full credit for whatever measure of good he was 
able to discover in them. 

Nothing escaped his observation. Natural scenery, 
the little children, trivial circumstances, arrested his at- 
tention, and remained in his memory. People often 
wondered how he was able to remember names, and 
persons, and small events. It was a gift, but it was a useful 
one, and well cultivated. It pervaded both his pastoral and 
pulpit ministrations, adding greatly to their power. His 
people felt that a personal friend was speaking to them. 
Thus gifted, he did a great work. Fisherwick Place 
congregation has been a wide-spread blessing, as by its 
direct influence, and by its example, it has stimulated 
the progress of truth at home and abroad. This in- 
fluence, in the providence of God, shows no symptoms of 
p 



210 LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



abatement. The choice of their present pastor was 
recognised by my father as a direct answer to the prayers 
of God's people, and is proving itself to have been most 
wise and suitable. 

It has been truly said, " It was sometimes a question 
with those who knew him best, whether Fisherwick Place 
congregation or the Foreign Mission lay nearest to his 
heart. He lived and laboured for the congregation as if 
it comprised the whole human race, while he embraced 
in love, prayed and pleaded for with God and man, the 
whole human family, as if it were his individual congre- 
gation." This interest in Fisherwick Place has been 
sufficiently manifested in the foregoing " Kecollections," 
but I feel that some further notice of his connexion with 
the Foreign Mission may be due to that important in- 
stitution. 

One of the most vivid recollections in my life is that 
of my father's grief on receiving the intelligence of Mr. 
Kerr's death. I was very young, but the sight of his 
tears and his words of bitter agony I can never forget. 
It seemed for a moment as if he thought God had for- 
saken him and the Mission. But he soon recovered ; and 
I remember the calm serenity, the reflux of a returning 
faith, as vividly as the overpowering sorrow. It was my 
original intention to give some account of the rise and 
progress of the Assembly's India Mission under Dr. 
Morgan's convenership, but further reflection dissuades 
me from doing so : first, because the whole history of it 
is contained in his annual reports presented to the As- 
sembly, where it is very accessible ; and second, because 
I think it will be more acceptable to the public that this 
volume should be occupied as much as possible with the 
productions of his own pen, which all will value for the 
writer's sake, as well as for their intrinsic interest. The 



REGRETTED BY ALL CLASSES. 



211 



success of the India Mission was largely owing to my 
father's diligent and prayerful guidance. The faithful 
men who undertook that work, and who now reside in 
this country after a laborious life in India, bear testimony 
to the eagerness with which the convener's letters from 
home were looked for. AVhat strength and comfort these 
afforded ! They speak of him as the father and founder 
of the Foreign Mission, and the Church endorses their 
testimony. 

It only remains for me to present a brief acknowledg- 
ment of the public expression of regret and esteem which 
was called forth by the intelligence of Dr. Morgan's death. 
Nothing could more truly prove the regard in which he 
was held by all classes of the community than the im- 
mense assemblage, not only of those who followed his 
remains to the grave, but of spectators who lined the 
way to witness the funeral procession as it passed through 
Belfast on the morning of the 8th of August. It was, 
in fact, one of the largest funerals ever witnessed in that 
town, and was characterised, not only by its immense 
extent, but by its representative character, being com- 
posed of all classes and denominations. Having arrived 
at the Borough Cemetery, the coffin was borne to its last 
resting place by the elders of Fisherwick Place. A por- 
tion of Scripture was read by the Rev. William Johnston, 
Moderator of the General Assembly, a most appropriate 
address was delivered by Dr. William D. Killen, Professor 
of Ecclesiastical History in the Assembly's College, and 
a suitable prayer offered up by the Rev. H. M. William- 
son, Dr. Morgan's assistant and successor in the pastor- 
ate of Fisherwick Place Congregation. After this the 
large assembly returned to Belfast, much impressed with 
the solemn event, which had deprived the Church of a 
faithful servant, and the community of an honoured 



212 LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



citizen. The words of a favourite text occurred to the 
minds of many — " Blessed are the dead which die in the 
Lord. They rest from their labours, and their works do 
follow them." 

On the day after Dr. Morgan's death the Belfast 
Presbytery met at Dunmurry, and a very appropriate 
reference to this circumstance was made by Eevds. Dr. 
Knox and Dr. Glasgow, and, on the following Sabbath, 
allusion was made to it in the various Presbyterian 
Churches. A notable and most admirable reference to 
the life and labours of their beloved pastor was addressed 
to the congregation of Fisherwick Place by his worthy 
successor, Mr. Williamson, which I had the satisfaction of 
hearing— so appropriate and so true that I have thought 
right to embody it in this volume ; also, the address of 
Dr. W. D. Killen at the grave, and that of Dr. Knox in 
the Belfast Presbytery. 



BEGINS TO KEEP A JOUBNAL. 



213 



EXTRACTS FROM A WEEKLY JOURNAL. 

1834, to 1873. 

JANUARY 1st, 1834. — I have long been convinced it 
is my duty to keep some journal of my religious exercises. 
This conviction has too long been resisted. Now it has 
become so strong that it must be acted upon. The 
principal reasons for doing so are that it seems to be 
necessary to keep me more in the habit of studying the 
Scriptures for my own personal benefit, and nearer to God 
in the exercise of prayer. In the retrospect of my life 
I do not complain of neglect in external and active duties 
so much as in my private intercourse with God. My 
purpose at present is to read the Scriptures daily as a 
devotional exercise, intended for personal benefit ; also 
to abound more in secret prayer, and from time to time 
to write some account of my attention to these things, at 
least weekly. God, forgive my past neglect, witness 
my present purpose, afford me opportunity, and give 
me the disposition to reduce it to practice. And may 
this day be one to be remembered as the beginning of a 
closer walk with Thee than I have ever yet attained unto. 
What I ask is for the sake of Jesus Christ, my Lord and 
Redeemer. Amen. 

January 18th. — This has been to me a week of 
interest, and in some respects of trial. On Sabbath 
morning the expectoration of blood returned, and yet I 
was strengthened to go through all the services without 
inconvenience. It has continued almost daily ever since, 



214 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



and is this day worse than before. I am somewhat ap- 
prehensive that this is the beginning of a fatal illness. 
My feelings are much exercised about my family — a much 
loved wife, and five dear children. The promises of God 
to the widow and the fatherless are enough to sustain my 
spirit, but I have Dot yet been enabled so to rest upon 
these as to be raised above anxiety. Should my sickness 
continue, and should it please God to remove me by it 
out of this world, God will fully reconcile me to His 
will, and enable me to trust Him for my family even in 
death. In this confidence I rest, believing that dying 
grace will be given for a dying hour. My anxieties seem 
to be more about my family and congregation than about 
myself. My trust is the perfect righteousness of Jesus 
Christ, and that appears so completely sufficient, that it 
takes away all fear. It has sometimes occurred to me 
that it would be better if I had more fear, yet since my 
entire hope is in the work of Christ, and it is of the 
sovereign pleasure of God that I have ever been interested 
therein, no desire or doing of mine having any part in 
the matter, I do not see what else there is for me to do 
than patiently to wait for the salvation of God. my 
God, deliver me from all self-deception. Make me truly 
submissive to Thy holy will. Bless my family and my 
flock, and enable me to trust Thee for them both. Oh, 
teach me to learn the lessons which this sickness conveys. 
I trusted too much in my active labours. God teaches 
me my dependence ; may I learn it more and more, so 
that if restored to the full measure of my work, I may 
prosecute it with a humble and dependent spirit, and if 
not, that it may be still carried on, and much better too, 
without me. My highest happiness is in my work. I 
exceedingly love the Sabbath, and never enjoy it so much 
as when God permits and enables me to bear all its 



ME. WALLACE GOES TO CORK. 



215 



labours, unaided by any one. Lord, my hope is in 
Thee. 

This week my friend and brother, Mr. Wallace, of 
Holywood, took leave of me for Cork. He and Mr. 
Bellis and I united in prayer at our separation ; we 
prayed for him with all our hearts. Lord, hear the 
prayers we offered. "We all wept in silence. I greatly 
loved him, for he is a sweet Christian brother. God, 
keep him ; open his way ; make him happy in his work ; 
may souls born under his ministry be his crown and joy ; 
may his settlement in Cork be a great blessing to the 
Synod ; may it be the beginning of much good, the 
commencement of extensive and efficient measures for the 
spread of the truth throughout that district of this 
benighted land ; may it be a blessing to his wife and 
infant child, and may they all be members of the house- 
hold of God. 

On two occasions this week I met with unkind treat- 
ment from two individuals. This should put me on self- 
examination, lest I may have given them just cause of 
offence, and so injured my ministry, though not conscious 
of this. The Lord make me charitable in judging of 
others ; prevent me from trusting in man ; cause me to 
seek only Thy favour, and to maintain a good conscience. 
I pray to Thee, God, for these two persons, and here 
record my desire. Lord save them both for Thy great 
Name's sake. 

February 15th. — This day a controversial letter has 
been addressed to me upon the subject of Church govern- 
ment. Let me consider what is my duty in reference to 
it. Shall I reply to it or not ? If I do, may not the con- 
troversy be injurious ? If not, may not truth suffer ? 
Lord teach me what to do. If a reply seems necessary, 
enable me to treat the writer, who is Thy servant, in a 



216 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



becoming spirit. Bless him, God. Make him a useful 
and successful minister. Preserve him from those dangers 
to which, as seems to my weak apprehension, he is 
exposed. Lord, when shall Thy people all dwell in 
unity ? Hasten the time, and may the countless and 
ceaseless agitations of the present day, that seem to be 
evil, be overruled for good, for the sake of Jesus Christ, 
the Peacemaker. Amen. 

April 26th. — In consequence of absence from home, 
my notice for last week was omitted. On my return, I 
find the town all in an uproar on account of the discussion 
between Messrs. B. and P. I disapproved of this from 
the first and kept aloof, because, in the present circum- 
stances of orthodoxy and Unitarianism, it was unwise. 
Unitarianism has been dying, and there is nothing its 
friends so much seek as clamour and controversy. This 
will give the cause a notoriety which otherwise it would 
not have had. Still, I am deeply thankful that the Lord 
has enabled B. to obtain a complete triumph. Yet the 
Unitarians cry victory also ! I fear they will be con- 
firmed in their errors more and more. Lord, give 
me wisdom in dealing with them. Cause the truth to 
come before them and to be received by them. And oh, 
grant that they may be yet brought to glory in Him 
whom they have dishonoured. I wish the orthodox may 
be triumphing in a right spirit. Many, no doubt, do so ; 
but alas ! how many have the very spirit of Wellington's 
army when they conquered upon Waterloo. This is not 
the spirit of Christ, and however it may promote the 
glory of a party, it will not advance the cause of truth. 
God, appear for Thine own cause, and let it be promoted 
for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

May 3rd. — This week has been principally occupied 
with the examination of the students of the Belfast Aca- 



BELFAST ACADEMICAL INSTITUTION". 217 



demical Institution. It has, therefore, been to me a 
melancholy week. That place is unfavourable to religion. 
The principle upon which it is based is unsound : it is a 
covenant not to interfere with the religious character of 
the students, whereas the formation of their religious 
character ought to be the first object. What a marvellous 
thing it would be to hear of a revival of religion in such 
a place ! It is not sought for, and would be greatly ridi- 
culed. God, show me my duty with regard to that 
establishment. Incline the Synod to look properly after 
the religious tuition of students. Oh, raise up faithful and 
devoted men, and pour out Thy Spirit on the seminaries 
of learning, that they may be re -modelled and made nur- 
series of truth and righteousness ! 

This evening I called to see a woman in sickness. 
Her husband died of drunkenness. She is dying of the 
same cause ; and, when we were at prayer, a man in the 
room, who was intoxicated, fell down beside me. After 
prayer, I reproved him very severely. He is a hearer of 
mine, and I left word that he should call upon me to- 
morrow. The discipline of the Church must be tried 
upon him. Lord, convince him of sin ! Give me wisdom 
in dealing with him ; and, while I will endeavour to be 
faithful in reproving, oh do Thou fill me with tender- 
ness of soul towards him, that he may be gained to re- 
pentance. Lord, have mercy on the dying woman ! She 
told me she had no sin lying heavily on her, yet she has 
been drinking away her own life. Oh, what a vice is 
this drunkenness ! Nothing seems so to harden the heart. 
Prosper, Lord, the efforts of the present day to check 
that vice -spreading evil. May drunkenness be eradicated 
from the land ; and, in its stead, oh may there be the 
fruit of the Spirit, even temperance, for Christ's sake ! 
Amen. 



218 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



November 22nd. — Mr. Waddell, the missionary from 
Jamaica, is at present residing in my house. This I con- 
sider to be an honour conferred on me by the Master he 
serves, Jesus Christ. I entertain him as His servant. 
How important the cause of missions is becoming in these 
lands ! In many places the Churches seem to be awaking, 
after a long slumber, to the duty of missionary labour. 
Almost every Church is now acknowledging itself to be 
a missionary institution. The Church of Scotland, the 
Secession Church there, the Synod of Ulster, and the 
Secession in this country, are all taking this attitude. 
This is as it ought to be. Often did I preach that doc- 
trine, but did not expect to see it so soon acted upon. It 
is a duty to discuss whatever the Word of God enjoins, 
for God will bless it. Some congregations are now pro- 
posing, individually, to support missionaries. Oh, what 
a happy sight would it be to see each congregation sup- 
porting its own minister at home and a missionary to the 
heathen abroad ! Lord, hasten such a time ! Nothing 
seems to have so happy an influence on a Church as 
engaging in missionary labour. May the Lord pour out 
the missionary spirit more and more, till all the Churches 
shall march forward in one united company to attack the 
strongholds of sin and Satan throughout the whole earth. 
Mr. Waddell is to preach three times to-morrow. Lord, 
hear me for him, that it may please Thee to strengthen 
him in body and to quicken him in soul, and prepare him 
for the labours that are before him. May these be abun- 
dantly useful — the means of infusing a renovated spirit 
into the Churches here, and rousing them to efforts they 
have never yet made. What I ask is for Christ's sake. 
Amen. 

November 29 th. — In reading the life of Thos. Scott, 
some years ago, I was struck with the observation that 



INFANT BAPTISM. 



219 



many persons who had been converted under his ministry, 
afterwards withdrew from it and joined other communions. 
I could not conceive such a thing at the time, yet I have 
lived to see it in my own case. Some persons who profess 
to have been enlightened under my ministry, have left or 
are speaking of leaving it on account of the question of 
infant baptism. Lord, show me my duty under these 
circumstances. When, two years ago, Mr. Irving's 
followers made a great effort to beguile some of my flock, 
I preached on the controverted topics, and by the blessing 
of God the flock were preserved. Not one forsook me, 
and but one embraced their sentiments, who yet remains 
under my ministry, and is now abandoning his errors. 
He had been born again under my word, as he testifies. 
I here record my thankfulness to God for the support given 
to me at that time, and the success which attended my 
efforts. And now, again, an attempt is made to introduce 
division about the mode and subjects of baptism. One 
young man has gone away, been baptized, and has joined 
the Baptist Church. He is a very unsteady person. Six 
months ago he was Deistical. God keep him and bless 
him, and let him not fall into gross error or sin. A young 
lady also has been baptized, but as yet remains in our 
church. Both took these steps without consulting me or 
telling me their difficulties. Be the act, therefore, right 
or wrong, the manner of doing it was wrong. It is 
remarkable, that while these have gone aside, some 
Baptists have come and joined our church, wearied out 
with disputes, &c. We do not make agreement on this 
subject a term of communion. I fear I have neglected 
to preach on the subject of baptism as much as I should 
have done. 

January 3rd, 1835. — This week, being the commence- 
ment of a new year, I have read over the preceding journal 



220 



LIFE AKD TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



for the last year. And here let me record my praise to God 
that the purposes for which I commenced it have been in 
some measure accomplished. I have read the Scriptures 
more than formerly for my personal benefit. I have been 
more circumspect about secret prayer, and have been 
enabled to exercise greater watchfulness over my temper. 
I cannot but own to the praise of God's grace that He 
has blessed the keeping of this journal, at least in some 
small measure, to these ends. It is, therefore, my opinion 
that keeping a journal is favourable to godliness, and it 
is my purpose to continue it ; yet, alas ! how much more 
profit might I have had from it, and how much more 
might I have advanced in grace I Lord, forgive my great 
sinfulness, and enable me to serve Thee better in future. 
I purpose, by God's help, to make my journal as profit- 
able a record as possible of my personal experience. There 
is a perpetual tendency to let it run into general obser- 
vations, rather than to make it a faithful record of myself. 

God, do Thou assist me in this duty, and may I have 
increased evidence that it is one agreeable in Thine eyes 
by its being owned of Thee to exercise a powerful and 
profitable influence over my conscience and life. Lord, 
set the seal of Thy Spirit to this record, for Christ's sake. 
Amen. 

January 31st. — -This day and on this day week, 

1 followed to the grave the remains of two gentlemen, 
both of whom died of whiskey-drinking. They had both 
been very strong men, yet the one fell beneath this 
destroyer at the age of 44, and the other at 34, as marked 
on their coffins. The one had not been in the meeting- 
house more than a few times since I came to Belfast, and 
the latter attended regularly once a day till within the last 
two years. It is within that time he has become a habitual 
drunkard. At the funeral, I was informed he had latterly 



FRUITS OF INTEMPERANCE. 



221 



espoused infidel opinions. Oh ! my soul, what ground of 
reflection is here. Two souls hurried to the judgment, of 
whom it is written : " They shall not inherit the king- 
dom of God," for neither gave any sign of repentance. 
The death of both was so sudden that I did not see either 
of them in sickness. Infidelity was embraced when the 
habit of drunkenness was formed. How true it is that 
sin is the seat of unbelief. And oh ! how it becomes me 
to bethink myself with what faithfulness I act towards 
such persons. Lord, make me more faithful. Perhaps I 
am too indulgent to the sinner. God forbid I should be 
called upon to answer for the blood of any of these. It 
is very refreshing to contrast with the two cases recorded 
above what I witnessed on Wednesday last : a meeting 
of the students at the College, to form themselves into a 
Temperance Society. More than ninety signed their 
names, and they did me the honour of making me the 
President of their society. Lord, grant that this may be 
the beginning of much good. May it be a step toward 
the revival of religion in that place of education. God, 
pour out Thy Spirit on our colleges, and ministers, and 
churches, and may piety and temperance, and every grace 
of the Spirit abound to the praise of Thy glory, in Christ 
Jesus. Amen. 

March 14-th. — This week I have been betrayed once 
or twice into hasty speaking. On reflection and some 
inquiry, I think I injured the person of whom I spoke. 
He gave me trouble which he ought not, but he is a poor 
man, and I should have been more considerate. I humble 
myself before God for this sin, and beseech Him to forgive 
me ; and I feel the necessity of being more and more 
watchful in all time to come. This journal has been the 
means of promoting watchfulness. Lord, grant to me 
Thy holy Spirit for this purpose. To-morrow I am to 



222 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



preach a sermon to the young men of the congregation. 
1 am thankful for the opportunity, and look to Thee, 
God, to prepare me for so important an exercise. Thanks 
be to Thee for so many excellent young men. Keep them, 
Lord, and sanctify them more and more. They are 
about to attempt the erection of a school -house at the 
expense of about £500. How I should be thankful for 
such auxiliaries in my ministry ! May they prosper in 
their undertaking ! My brother Leslie and his family 
sail for Jamaica to-morrow. Lord, go with them and 
bless them. This is the first missionary family from the 
Synod. Oh that many more may follow ! He and 
Bellis and I met in my study and united in prayer, as 
we had done before on the departure of Mr. Wallace to 
Cork. At both times Mr. B. came in, as it would seem 
to us, by accident. May the prayer that was presented 
be recorded in heaven, and may a favourable answer be 
given to it, as has been done in the former case ! Thanks 
be to God that this very day I have heard glad tidings 
from Cork. May we live to be refreshed by similar 
tidings from Jamaica ! All I beg is for Christ's sake. 
Amen. 

August 1st. — Cookstown. — My beloved father is at 
length no more. He died on Tuesday morning last, 28 th 
July, between three and four o'clock in the morning. His 
departure was sudden and unexpected ; he had been out 
the day before ; his end was easy and peaceful. Lord, 
sanctify this Providence to me and mine. And now, 
Lord, suffer me to worship Thee under this trying 
Providence. I submit to Thy hand though my spirit 
bleeds. Every day the pain of the bereavement has 
become more acute. Oh that my mind might be profitably 
exercised. My own time will be coming too. Help me, 
Lord, to live under the impression that death is at 



his father's death. 



223 



hand. May I ever be found having my loins girt about, 
my lamp burning, and like unto one that waiteth for his 
Lord. At my father's grave I found the skull and other 
bones of my beloved brother John. He is now fifteen 
years dead. And yet I found a large quantity of hair on 
the skull, in a state of entire preservation. I took a lock 
off it, and have given it to a jeweller to set in a locket 
with some of my fathers and mother's hair. Who 
can tell how soon some such office may be done for me ! 
Lord, do Thou cause any religion that has appeared in our 
family to be perpetuated. May my children be imbued 
with a pious spirit. This is all I ask for them. Father, 
may I see the evidences of godliness in them. I bless 
Thee to see my brother and his wife evidencing piety. 
May they long be happy together. Do Thou, G-od, 
open their way and provide for them. Bless them with 
a thankful and contented spirit, and may they be made a 
blessing in this place. At this affecting time, I renew the 
dedication of myself and mine to Thee, in Jesus Christ 
my Lord. Amen. 

September 19th. — Strabane. — In the good providence 
of God, I am thus far on my tour, having visited Malin 
and Carndonagh during the week, and preached in them 
both. No accident has occurred ; no injury to my health ; 
much kindness from all, and a large share of enjoyment 
in friends. It is particularly refreshing to me to find 
almost in every place I visit a minister earnest in his 
work. There is a great improvement in our young 
ministers. The Lord be praised for it ; and oh, that 
what has begun may advance until the work of God is 
completed. It has been much impressed on my mind 
that it would be highly profitable if popular and faithful 
ministers would devote a month every year to an itiner- 
ancy through the more neglected districts of the country, 



224 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



preaching as frequently in the course of the week as their 
strength would allow. I am resolved to consider this 
with respect to myself, should God spare me till next 
Summer. I have met here with my young friend, George 
Herdman, brother to my elder, who has come to reside in 
the neighbourhood in the way of business. I trust there 
is a gracious providence in thus sending him here to be 
an instrument of good. His heart seems much set upon 
that. Lord, suffer me here to commend him to Thy 
gracious care and blessing. Let not his own soul suffer 
through want of the opportunities he enjoyed in Belfast. 
Make him more and more zealous. And do Thou 
open his way — make him useful ; and may he both be 
blessed and made an extensive blessing in this neighbour - 
hood. May I learn the necessity of great and increased 
diligence in my ministry, seeing how its influence may 
be carried into remote parts of the country by the removal 
of those who sit under it. Lord, do Thou accompany 
all such, and may they carry the light of truth wherever 
they go. Bless my beloved family and flock at home. 
Prepare me for the labours of to-morrow ; and may I be 
restored to my work again, refreshed and quickened by 
all I have seen and learned, for Christ's sake. Amen. 

December 26th. — For some days before Christmas I 
felt my mind anticipating it as a day of earthly enjoy- 
ment. I expected pleasure upon it in the society of 
friends who would dine with me, and looked to it with a 
degree of satisfaction, very unusual to me, from such 
sources. It came and passed away, and I was happy in 
them ; but I am not satisfied that I should have thought 
so much of deriving pleasure from these things. To-day 
I am languid and rather unwell, having eaten something 
that did not agree with me. So is it with all earthly 
satisfaction, inflicting a wound in the enjoyment of it. 



THE VOLUNTARY QUESTION. 



225 



Let me learn from this incident, apparently trifling as it 
is, to cultivate the powers of the mind. May I find all 
my happiness in God, and in Him only. Lord be praised, 
who hast spared me hitherto, and make me thankful ; and 
stimulate me to serve Thee, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 

March 19th, 1836. — A wonderful and distressing ex- 
citement has prevailed here this week. Dr. Eitchie came 
here from Edinburgh to agitate the Voluntary Question, 
and Dr. Cooke attended to maintain the principle of 
Establishments. The debate continued on the first even- 
ing from seven till twelve o'clock, and on the second from 
seven till six in the morning. Dr. C. spoke more than 
five hours, and Dr. R. more than four. Dr. C. is pro- 
claimed the conqueror, having displayed the most power- 
ful elocution and irresistible argumentation. The town 
is in a ferment : neighbour enraged against neighbour. 
Yet I believe Dr. C. could not have refused to withstand 
the enemy. May good come out of the evil. Alas ! 
that such contentions should be. May Christ preside in 
the present storm, and by it purify the churches. I did 
not attend, having no health or taste for such scenes. 
In this am I rio;ht or wrong ? Lord suffer me not to 
deceive myself ; but ever see my way clearly, and walk 
in it fearlessly. I am a lover of peace ; but must take 
care not to sacrifice the truth in endeavouring to maintain 
it. Lord, teach me and help me for Christ's sake. 

August 21st. — The reason of the long omission in my 
journal has been severe sickness. It pleased God to lay 
me aside by fever, from which I am now mercifully re- 
stored. I am uncertain whether it arose from infection 
or a wetting, having been exposed to both. At the first 
I considered it was fever, and for two or three days was 
quite sensible, with this impression on my mind. It was 
a solemn time. There was a likelihood that I would die, and 
Q 



226 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN". 



leave a beloved wife with six little children, and an affec- 
tionate flock. Yet I was supported — was willing to die, 
and often wondered how my mind was so reconciled to an 
event which, at other times, would have caused so much 
agony. The doctrine which sustained me was the per- 
fect righteousness of Christ. I felt I had nothing to 
plead, but cast myself simply on Christ, and was enabled 
to say — " Being justified by faith, we have peace with 
God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." After a few days 
my reason left me, and for a fortnight or more I had no 
connected thought. Meditation, or prayer, or reading 
never occurred to me. Oh, how vain is a death-bed pre- 
paration, and how blessed the truth that the safety of 
the Christian lies in union with Christ, so that he is 
equally secure asleep or awake, deranged or sensible. 
After two or three weeks my reason gradually returned. 
Still, for the space of a month, though sensible, I did not 
engage in any religious exercises. It did not occur to 
me to go formally to prayer. It appeared strange to 
myself that I neglected it, even at the time. About the 
end of a month I resumed my accustomed exercises of 
prayer and reading, and have been enabled to continue 
them since. I have had more enjoyment and liberty in 
prayer than ever before. Oh, that this may continue ! 
My health is now rapidly recovering, and I have pleasure 
in reading and writing. I hope my sickness will be use- 
ful to others. It excited a remarkable sympathy, and my 
congregation was greatly moved. For the space of a 
fortnight they met in the church every morning for 
prayer, and I am informed many were seen to be greatly 
affected. My pulpit has been supplied most kindly by 
the Presbytery, and the congregation have done what 
they never did before, given a good attendance in my 
absence. I do trust an impression has been made that 



RECOVERY FROM FEVER. 



227 



will be permanent and saving. I have experienced re- 
markable kindness on all hands. My committee have 
been specially kind. They paid all the expenses of my 
doctors, to the amount of £34, and otherwise discovered 
the most ardent affection. May the Lord richly reward 
them. And now, God, I look up to Thee to entreat 
Thy blessing on this visitation of Thy hand. Accept of 
my thanks for my restored health, that I am not in 
the lonely grave, my wife a widow, and my children 
fatherless. And oh, do Thou enable me to be more 
faithful in my family, and to rear it for Thee. Bless it 
to my personal benefit. Oh, that I may by it be made 
to grow in grace. Especially, I entreat, that it may be 
the means of stimulating me in prayer and the study of 
the Scriptures, and all the secret exercises of fellowship 
with Thyself. And may it have a powerful and happy 
effect on my public ministrations. May I preach more 
soundly, and faithfully, and profitably. And oh, that 
in the day when Thou dost unfold all Thy counsel to 
men, it may be seen that it was good for me and many 
with me that I had been afflicted by Thy hand. What 
I ask is for Christ's sake. 

September 18th. — The last week was spent at the Spa 
at Ballynahinch. I was alone, and, in some respects, felt 
it good to be so. My mind was sometimes much drawn 
out into fellowship with God. It is well occasionally to 
spend a few days alone, that the mind may be thrown 
back on itself, and brought into nearer communion with 
God. The family in which I had a lodging was large, 
and I felt an interest in their spiritual benefit. I sought 
to conduct the worship morning and evening, so as to 
profit them. Lord bless what was said, and oh, that 
some saving impression may be made. I felt an anxiety 
also on behalf of some friends who lodged near me, and 



228 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



sought to profit them by holding worship with them 
several times. my God, do Thou visit them, and 
mercifully sanctify Thy dispensations towards them. On 
Friday we went to the top of Slieve Cruibe, from which 
there is the most extensive prospect on which I had ever 
gazed. My mind was much impressed with the thought 
of the greatness of that Being, who was acquainted with 
every feeling of all the countless multitudes that lay be- 
neath my eye. I thought also of Satan's temptation 
of Christ, showing Him the kingdoms of the world, and 
the glory of them, and offering them to Him if He 
would worship him. It was a temptation to pride and 
covetousness, which no mere man, left to himself, could 
have withstood. My companion was a Seceding minister, 
an old acquaintance, who resides in the neighbourhood. 
He took me to see his meeting-house and school-house, 
two humble, yet substantial buildings, altogether erected 
by the exertions of one small farmer in the neighbour- 
hood. The nearest place of worship to the mass of the 
inhabitants was distant some miles, and he struggled till 
he succeeded in planting one in the midst of them. He 
spent about £200 on the two buildings. Lord, bless them 
to his descendants and to his neighbourhood, for Christ's 
sake. 

November 19th. — A great panic has seized the public 
mind this week in consequence of the stoppage of one of 
the banks. What confusion prevailed, and how much 
uncertainty. I have been able to draw some profit from 
it, and have been led to reflect on our Lord's counsel — 
" Lay not up treasure upon earth." A treasure cannot 
be laid up here. For, is it in money ? — the bank fails ; 
or in houses ? — the tenants escape ; or in lands ? — the 
occupiers desert them. Oh, that men were wise, and 
laid up their treasure in heaven. I desire to be thankful 



A SUDDEN DEATH. 



229 



for God's goodness to me and mine ; but pray to be de- 
livered from^covetousness. In the beginning of the week 
I read " Mammon/' a prize essay on covetousness, and 
the events of the week were a striking comment on the 
principles of the book. Lord ! teach me how best to 
use whatever talent of riches Thou art pleased to give me. 

This day I heard of the sudden death of Mrs. A. Two 
or three times lately I have been at her house to remon- 
strate with her on the subject of intemperance. She died 
of apoplexy, and had no warning. She was at public 
worship on last Lord's Day. my God, help me to 
be faithful to such characters. How degrading and ruinous 
is their habit. When will our rulers have grace to forbid 
distillation ? May it be speedily. At present such a 
measure is specially called for by the scarcity and dear- 
ness of provisions. What a shame that these should be 
wasted on a poison. God seems to be scourging the land 
for ingratitude and intemperance. We have had seven 
years of great plenty and great abuse. Discontent has 
been rampant. This has specially appeared in the Trades' 
Unions. Lord, wilt Thou sanctify the troubles of the 
people ? While Thy judgments are abroad, may they 
learn righteousness. Teach me my duty in the midst of 
them, for Christ's sake. 

March 4th, 1837. — Yesterday I was called on by two 
ladies of the Society of Friends, who had come from Eng- 
land, and were preachers. Their object was to address a 
few words of counsel or exhortation to me. After silence 
for a short time one of them spoke. What she uttered 
appeared to me to be very incoherent and erroneous. I 
felt uncertain whether I should contradict her ; but she 
seemed pious, although full of Socinian views. I did 
not see how the visit could be in any way profitable, but 
perhaps the fault was my own. Lord, enlighten our 



230 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MOBGAN. 



minds, that we may see the truth more clearly, and enjoy 
the blessed promise : " All thy children shall Jbe taught of 
God." They left me with the intention of calling on 
some other ministers. This sect has of late years been 
greatly corrupted by the Socinian error ; and this is not 
wonderful. They do not appear to instruct their children 
at all ; the consequence of which is, that these adopt the 
sentiments most congenial to depraved humanity, and 
many have become Socinians. A pious Quaker lately 
told me that he thought the want of the Lord's Supper 
among them was one principal cause of their erroneous 
views respecting Christ, as he thought this ordinance was 
eminently fitted to preserve a just sense and exhibit a 
clear view of the Atonement. His remark was important. 

April 8th. — At the Communion table on last Lord's 
day, my mind was considerably occupied with the sin of 
calumny. I was brought to see how one might be in 
many ways guilty of it without almost suspecting it. 
Some instances occurred to me in which I had spoken 
injuriously of others. What I had said was true ; still, 
without sufficient reason, a reason amounting to necessity, 
an injurious expression ought not to be used. Oh, how 
common is this sin. We express our opinions of others 
so freely and injure them so causelessly. I purposed in 
the Lord's strength to be very watchful against this 
temptation. Even when determined against it, others, 
by their remarks, ensnare me into it. Lord, do Thou 
confirm my determination against this sin. It is very 
hateful and hurtful and unjustifiable. May I be enabled 
to watch against it. I resolve to make this subject of 
frequent self-examination. 

My mind has been much occupied with the necessity 
of endeavouring, in preaching, to get at the lives and 
hearts of the people. This is extremely difficult. It is 



REVIVAL IN EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 



231 



much, easier to discuss a doctrine than a character. I did 
what I could in my two last sermons and succeeded to 
some extent. And, with a view to get more into this 
habit, I have commenced a series of discourses on the 
Christian warfare, as set forth in Eph. vi. 10-18. The 
first, for to-morrow, is to be on the nature of this war- 
fare. Lord, help me to understand, and expound, and 
enforce it. No preaching is so profitable as that which 
dissects the conscience, making the truth to bear on the 
workings of the mind. It is of all kinds of preaching, 
however, the most rare. This seems to be not merely 
because it is in itself more difficult and because it requires 
great faithfulness in the minister, but also because it re- 
quires his own mind, at the time of preparing his dis- 
course, to be in a proper frame. He must be alive him- 
self, that his words may quicken others. Lord, do 
Thou awaken my soul, and mercifully enable me rightly 
to divide Thy Word of truth. And may Thy Holy Spirit 
both give me the Word and apply it to the people ! 

June 10th. — My mind has been considerably exercised 
with an address delivered to the clergymen, at the May 
meetings in Dublin, by the Rev. Mr. Bridges, who is 
known and esteemed as the author of the Exposition of 
the 119th Psalm. There were present 350 clergymen. 
What a sight ! All these are ministers of the Episcopal 
Established Church. A few years ago there was scarcely 
a godly minister in that Church ; now I suppose there 
are many more than there ever were before in this king- 
dom. The revival which has taken place in that Church 
is as life from the dead. Well may the vision of Ezekiel's 
dry bones be applied to it. For this I bless Thee, 
Lord. May Thy work spread in it more and more. Yea, 
Lord, I will rejoice if by its instrumentality Thou wilt 
subdue this land to the obedience of Christ. Our own 



232 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



Church has undergone a revival, too ; but it seems to 
me to be not so great as in the other. But they are 
approximating more to each other than formerly. There 
seems among them a growing desire for our Presbyterian 
liberty, and I trust our Presbyterian prejudices against 
them are abating. Oh, that they were united ! I see no 
prospect of it at present, but greatly long for it. In 
Mr. Bridges' address, what most struck me was his ad- 
vice respecting diligent preparation for the pulpit. I 
cordially approve what he said. Thank God, I have not 
been negligent in this altogether. Yet I desire to do 
more, and seek to have my mind more disciplined to the 
close study of the Word of God. Lord, assist me in this 
duty, and bountifully bless it to me, and my flock, and 
the Church, for Christ's sake. 

August 5 th. — The election is over, and Lord Belfast 
and Mr. Gibson are chosen. This is a great defeat to the 
Conservative party. Lord, sanctify it to them. They 
profess to uphold the Bible, but an arm of flesh will fail. 
Oh, that men, and chiefly Christian men, would consider 
and know where their strength lies ! Mr. Gibson is a 
Christian man. May the hand of God yet be seen in 
his appointment ! Lord, prepare him to serve Thee in 
the Legislature of the land. Oh, for Christian rulers ! 
Lord, raise up many such, and may the people and their 
rulers conspire to promote the cause of godliness. Lord, 
allay the angry and evil passions that now prevail. Alas ! 
how much sin has been committed. There must be some- 
thing grievously wrong about the elections. Surely they 
might be conducted in a less injurious manner. May 
God put it into the hearts of the rulers to consider what 
can be done. And oh ! that something might be done 
to prevent so much sin and confusion. Lord, visit us 
not for our iniquities. Forgive the great sin of this 



KEEPS ALOOF FROM POLITICS. 



233 



week ; and may the recurrence to-morrow of the Sabbath 
.be a seasonable refreshment to the minds of Thy people. 
Lord, in an especial manner, I here commend to Thee 
Thy servant, James Gibson, and I beseech Thee to make 
him a Christian ruler, and the instrument of much good 
to this land. All that I ask is for Christ's sake. 

November 11th. — Again this week I have been much 
troubled about the wretched politics of the town. An 
election of Police Commissioners took place, and the two 
parties were ranged against one another with the utmost 
virulence. My vote was sought with as much anxiety as 
if it had been the election of a member of Parliament. I 
considered it my duty to keep aloof from any concern in 
the matter, and thank God that I did so. It seemed 
providential that, although I had not known anything 
of what was to take place, I preached last Sabbath on 
the duty of a minister to keep himself free from all such 
entanglements. It raises an obstacle against his access to 
some whenever he interferes, and this is a matter of far 
more importance than any other. This seems to me one 
of those things included under " giving no offence in any- 
thing, that the ministry be not blamed ;" and to bear a 
part in such things seems to be at variance with the 
determination " not to know anything among them save 
Jesus Christ and Him crucified." Lord, do Thou open 
my mind on these testimonies of Thy Word, and show 
me what they require and forbid. Enable me distinctly 
to see my way through the perplexities of this life. Oh, 
that Thou wouldst turn the hearts of the people from 
these vanities to seek the living God. It is never by 
these vain j anglings any good is to be done in society. 
Nothing but righteousness will ever exalt a nation. Oh, 
that men believed this, and would act upon it ! Then 
might we expect to see godliness, and peace, and all 



234 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



national and political blessings. Many of God's people 
appear to me to be at present in imminent danger from 
too great interference in politics. I fear their character 
and spirit will suffer. Alas ! how Satan suits himself to 
all circumstances. This is an age of liberty, civil and 
religious, and he draws men into the utmost libertinism 
in things both civil and sacred. Lord, take away his 
power, for Christ's sake. 

January 20th, 1838. — At leisure hours this week I 
have read the greater part of two volumes of Congrega- 
tional Sermons by Dr. Chalmers. They are very faithful, 
and the delivery of them must have produced a deep 
impression; but I am doubtful whether they would be 
permanently useful. They could not be remembered, 
owing to the want of divisions, and by the great mass of 
hearers they would not be understood. Surely the plan 
of essays, so common in the pulpits of Scotland, cannot 
be useful. Even students could not take notes of them ; 
how then could the mass of the people be improved % A 
man like Dr. Chalmers ought seriously to consider the 
influence of his example. Others will imitate his style of 
preaching, and sorry work they will make of it. His 
discourses do better to be read, when one can stop and 
find out the method, however concealed. But, even in 
reading, the meaning is not apprehended until the method 
is perceived. Lord, do Thou teach me how to preach. 
I am willing to labour in this duty. I cannot but think 
that, after the habit of speaking has been formed, the 
best system is to draw out a full skeleton of the dis- 
course, meditate it deeply, and then deliver it. This 
would not do for a young preacher, but for one who is 
experienced it is the best method. It is that which I 
adopted. Lord, if I am wrong, put me right. Above 
all, may I learn the necessity of my dependence on the 



MEETING OF SYNOD. 



335 



Holy Spirit to give effect to the Word. Bless my 
ministrations, and may many by them be brought to 
the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 
To-morrow I address my annual sermon to the parents. 
Prepare me, G-od ! for this exercise. And oh ! do Thou 
grant that I may be enabled to instil such principles into 
their minds as may greatly influence them and their 
children, who shall come after them. Bless, Lord, my 
preparations for this exercise, and accept my person and 
labours for Christ's sake. 

July 7th. — The meeting of the Synod is over, and, 
thank God, happily. There was more peace than for- 
merly. I trust there was not much evil, and some good. 
My mind had been much exercised about it, and I here 
record my thankfulness to the Holy Spirit who has guided 
and constrained the minds of the members. The only 
measure of great importance is the proposal of a Foreign 
Mission in connexion with our Church. This was made 
by myself, and I look to the Lord that He will bring it 
to a happy consummation. I propose going to Scotland 
next week, chiefly with a view to promote it, intending 
to call upon Dr. Duff and Dr. Gordon, and to endeavour 
to get a meeting of the Assembly's Committee. Lord, 
direct and bless me ! What I wish is that the Synod 
be taken into co-operation with the Assembly in its 
mission to India. Great good would thus arise to the 
Church at home and the heathen abroad. My mind is 
deeply exercised about the whole matter. May the Lord 
prosper my way ! May the God of Jacob be my God ! 
I feel my mission to be one of deep importance, and 
undertake it with all my heart ; but I greatly distrust 
myself. In God is my trust. Lord, enable me to say 
and find that " Blessed is the man that trusteth in 
Thee." 



236 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



September 1st. — This week has witnessed wondrous 
things. Our Missionary Synod has met, and I trust the 
name is not misplaced. There prevailed a delightful 
spirit of zeal and love. Surely the Lord was with us. 
Several resolutions were carried unanimously upon the 
duty of the Church as a Missionary Institution. The 
directors are instructed to look out for missionaries. The 
ministers have agreed to support a missionary at their 
own expense, and the Belfast elders have engaged to raise 
funds for another. Is not this of the Lord ? But now 
comes the real difficulty — the men, the men ! Where 
are these to be had ? God alone can furnish them. Oh, 
Thou that art the Lord of the harvest, do Thou send out 
labourers into the harvest. Many ministers seem to have 
their minds directed to the subject, but the Lord alone 
can bring to a right decision. Be pleased, God, to send 
forth Thy light and Thy truth. Let them lead and guide 
us. Oh, that this may be the beginning of permanent 
and saving good ! Good Lord, direct us in this under- 
taking. I commend it to Thee, and wait humbly for 
Thee to own and bless it. 

On this day week my eldest son was in danger of 
being lost. He and two other boys got into a boat, which 
drifted into the tide, and would have been carried out to 
sea had not God in His merciful providence discovered 
them to a gentleman, who followed them in his boat and 
brought them back. What a trial this would have been 
had he and his companions been lost ! and they might 
readily have been so. Lord, accept my thanks for Thy 
preserving mercy towards my child. Do Thou sanctify it 
to him. I have written to him, endeavouring to improve 
it. May it impress his mind and their minds. And, oh ! 
that it may lead to serious and saving impressions. The 
good Lord hear and accept in Christ. 



APPOINTMENT OF MISSIONARIES. 



237 



November 2Jtth. — Last week I was absent in Dublin, 
and, therefore, no notice is entered in my journal. I 
went to aid the brethren in bringing about the erection 
of a new place of worship. God opened the way wonder- 
fully, and prospered my mission abundantly. To Him 
be the praise. Lord ! do Thou bless what was at- 
tempted, and may a place be raised, over which angels 
shall rejoice, and where many sons and daughters shall 
be born, and ripened for glory. 

Since the last record in my journal the directors met 
for the appointment of missionaries to the heathen. Four 
were chosen, and have been called to the work. Lord ! 
do Thou direct them, and make their call clear to their 
own minds. When this appointment was made I felt as 
if I could say with Simeon — " Lord, now lettest Thou 
Thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen 
Thy salvation." To this consummation I looked forward 
long, little expecting to see it realised. But God has 
been better than my fears or hopes. Oh ! that this may 
be the beginning of much good. May a blessing be re- 
turned sevenfold on the Church that sends them. And 
oh ! wilt Thou, Lord, go with them ? May their way be 
opened. Spare their lives and prosper their labours ; 
and grant that we may yet meet our beloved brethren on 
earth, to hear of the gracious things God has done for 
them and by them. May their letters bring good news 
from a far country. And oh ! that the whole Church 
may be raised to increased exertions and liberality, and 
that the cause of Christ may be advanced at home and 
abroad. Amen. 

December 8th. — We are brought into much difficulty 
about our Foreign Mission. Three memorials have been 
forwarded to the directors, entreating that Mr. Fisher 
shall not be moved from Galway — one from his congre- 



238 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



gation, another from members of the Established Church, 
and the third from Roman Catholic schoolmasters in the 
district of Connemara, whom he superintends. These 
memorials were presented by two gentlemen as a deputa- 
tion from the congregation — Mr. Martin, the Recorder of 
the town, and Dr. Gray. The directors have been com- 
pelled, in consequence, to pause. The call to Mr. F. is, 
in the meantime, suspended. Lord, this is a serious 
check, and we know not what to do. Is our Church 
unworthy to be employed in the work of missions ? or 
have we gone forward in our own strength and wisdom ? 
I much fear this disappointment may set aside the mis- 
sion altogether — at least for the present. Lord, do 
Thou undertake for us ; open our path, and show us 
what Thou wouldst have us to do. I beseech Thee, 
suffer us not to be hereby diverted from our purpose. 
Thou hast the hearts of all in Thine hand ; Thou canst 
remove our difficulties. May it please Thee to do so. 
Thou who art the Lord of the harvest, do Thou send forth 
labourers into Thy harvest. I thought the whole matter 
was settled ; but here is one taken away, and the other 
has not yet replied to the call of the directors. His con- 
gregation also is greatly opposed to his removal. What 
is our line of duty ? The Lord only knows ; but I trust 
it will yet be made sufficiently plain. I will wait upon 
God, and for God. May His name be blessed for the 
opening at home, even though the way to foreign parts 
should for the present be closed. I ask all in Christ. 
Amen. 

December 29th. — This day, while I was at dinner, I 
was waited on by two of my hearers — the one to invite 
me to marry his daughter, and the other to ask me to 
announce an accident which had happened to his son, to 
the lad's mother, who was ill. Such is human life. Oh, 



VARIED EXPERIENCE OF MINISTERS. 239 



how much, need a minister has to be always ready to guide 
and instruct his people ! The most various scenes require 
his presence — funerals and marriages, baptisms and death- 
beds. Life seems nothing else than a record of births, 
marriages, and deaths. Lord, do Thou teach me to 
sympathise with the people. How wondrous that one 
design of our Lord's incarnation was to teach Him sym- 
pathy. Well may we, who are ministers, expect trouble 
to qualify us to sympathise with men. I sometimes 
wonder at myself how little I am moved by passing 
events that deeply excite others. I seem to have grown 
callous by constant familiarity with trying scenes. 
Lord, suffer me not to become hardened, but keep me 
lively and sensible of the varied feelings of those with 
whom I am associated. I desire to " rejoice with them 
that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." What 
a sight was Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus ! He wept. 
There was no feigned sympathy with Him ; and He is 
the same to the present hour : — 

" In every pang that rends the heart, 

The Man of Sorrows had a part ; 

He sympathises with our grief, 

And to the sufferer sends relief" 

January 13th, 1839. — On last Sabbath night there 
was the most violent storm of wind that perhaps ever 
happened in this country. The loss of life and property 
has been immense. Three of the spinning mills have lost 
their chimneys. At Liverpool, thirty-four vessels are 
said to have been wrecked within the lights. My family 
was raised from bed, and expected immediate destruction. 
Had the wind been raised a little higher it is believed 
all the houses in the town would have been thrown down. 
I do not think I conversed with any person since who 
did not allude to the subject — so completely has it 



240 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



possessed the minds of the people. I cannot but here 
record the special mercies of God towards myself and 
family. My house is scarcely injured at all, nor yet our 
meeting-house. Even our new church, which is but half 
slated, in York Street, has sustained no hurt, although 
just beside it the giant chimney of Mr. Mulholland's mill 
has been blown down, and a whole row of houses. " Bless 
the Lord, my soul, and all that is within me bless 
His holy name." Surely it becomes us well to consider 
this event. It is a warning by the voice of God. Oh, 
that the people might hear ! — that I might hear ! Dur- 
ing the storm I can scarce say how I felt, only that I was 
not overcome with terror. It arose about eleven o'clock, 
and continued till the morning. At three o'clock I went 
into one room, and the window was broken — into another, 
and the window was broken there too — into a third and 
it was in the same condition. The storm blew furiously 
into them all. I thought of the sinner who, in the day 
of God's judgment, will go from place to place, but find 
no where to rest. Oh ! may my safety be in Christ Jesus. 
To-morrow I will endeavour to improve the dispensation, 
from Isaiah, xxxii 2. Lord, enable us to weigh it well, to 
be admonished, and to learn its lessons. 

July 13th. — The journal has been interrupted by my 
absence from home. and the bustle connected with the 
annual meeting of the Synod. On the whole, there is 
reason for gratitude that the business of the Synod was 
conducted as it. was. With little exception, there was 
no personal altercation. The day of the missions was one 
of the sweetest and most profitable I ever spent on the 
earth. I do trust our way is now likely to be opened, 
and that there is a prospect of obtaining missionaries ; 
but the Lord only, who sees the end from the beginning, 
can tell. Oh, that He may touch and turn the hearts of 



THE REAL NATURE OF POPERY. 



241 



all who are concerned, and honour us by enabling us to 
engage in a vigorous and faithful Foreign Mission. Be 
pleased, Lord, to direct the minds of thy two servants 
who have their attention now specially turned to this 
matter. Notwithstanding the peace and usefulness of 
the Synod's meeting, the newspapers have contrived to 
impress the public mind with the belief that the meeting 
was rancorous and unworthy of a Christian Church. One 
of the worst features of the times is the power and pre- 
valence of a corrupt press. Popery is mad in violence 
against all who speak the truth with boldness, and in 
maintaining the ruinous and destructive measures of its 
ruling authorities. Great Cod ! do Thou overthrow the 
Man of Sin. I think it likely power may be given to 
him for a little season. Blessed be Cod, his time shall 
be short. I have come in for a tolerable share of abuse 
at his hands myself. In reviewing it all, I feel thankful 
for it. It serves to remind me of the real nature of 
Popery, and delivers from the temptation of seeking to 
be on terms of favour or freedom with its abettors. I 
think it is the duty of a minister of Christ to be known 
as the decided and uncompromising enemy of that awful 
system. Lord, enable me to examine my heart and ways 
in reference to it ; and do Thou show me the path of duty, 
and enable me to walk in it, for Christ's sake. 

September 7th. — This day I have returned home from 
my journey in Scotland. On Saturday last I crossed at 
Portpatrick, having suffered severely by sea-sickness. On 
the Sabbath I preached at Leswalt and Stranraer. On 
Monday I proceeded to Glasgow, and thence to Stirling, 
Perth, and Dundee, making such arrangements as I could 
for a deputation to those places in November next. At 
Dundee I had my desire to ascertain what I wished re- 
specting the revivals, as I met Mr. Burns, who was the 
R 



242 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DK. MORGAN. 



means of that at Kilsyth, and afterwards at Dundee. 
There appears to be in both places a remarkable outpour- 
ing of the Holy Spirit. There is a general and deep con- 
cern of soul. Public worship is held daily, and crowds 
attend upon the ordinances. At Dundee I was invited 
to preach to the people, and did so. There were as many 
present as the church would contain — about 1,600 per- 
sons. Many have waited on the ministers for private 
instruction. I do think this is a work of the Spirit. Oh, 
that it may be brought to a happy and saving issue ! 
Lord, do Thou bless the ministers and people together. 
May the ministers be faithful and wise, and may their 
souls be richly endowed with every grace needful for their 
present circumstances. May the people be guided by 
Thy good and holy Spirit ; and forbid that they should 
rest in any mere excitement. Lord, let there be the 
spiritual birth of many souls. This revival is a matter 
of the deepest importance to the Church generally. Minis- 
ters and godly persons are much and generally interested 
in it. The Presbytery of Glasgow have ordered a state- 
ment of the case to be prepared by Mr. Burns, of Kilsyth, 
and to be read in all their churches. God, do Thou 
bless the writer, and make what he shall write abundantly 
useful. I intend to read it as soon as I obtain it ; and 
to-morrow I propose to preach upon the subject from 
Habakkuk, iii. 2. 

October 19 ^.—To-morrow, York Street Church is to 
be opened for public worship — the services by Dr. Cooke, 
Mr. Wilson, and myself. This is a happy circumstance. 
It is truly refreshing to see these churches raised, and the 
manner in which this has been done is truly delightful. 
It was set on foot by the generous offer of one friend, and 
in a few weeks I collected about £1,200 ; but, now that 
the house is up, other anxieties arise. Will the Lord send 



OPENING OF YORK STREET CHURCH. 243 



a faithful minister, and incline the hearts of the people to 
hear ? All depends on His grace and blessing. I intend 
to deliver the first discourse in it from Exodus, xlix. 34 : 
" The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." Oh, may 
it be so at that time. Lord, do Thou enter into that 
place as Thy rest. And oh ! Thou who hast the hearts 
of all men in Thine hand, do Thou send to that place a 
pastor after Thine own heart. Holy Father, I commend 
this place, and the interests of religion there, to Thee. 
May it be the birth-place of many souls who shall shine 
bright stars in heaven for ever and ever through Christ. 
Amen. 

November 30th. — I have lately read over Professor 
Davidson's book on Biblical Criticism. It is exceedingly 
learned, and I hope I received some instruction from it. 
The subject is important, and ought to be studied ; yet I 
felt strongly the force of Dr. Chalmers's observation, that 
" Biblical criticism is more useful for defence than for 
instruction." This remark applies particularly to the 
topic embraced in this volume, which is the canon of 
Scripture — that of interpretation is reserved for another 
volume. I would have the subject well studied and 
understood ; yet do I expect little real good from it. 
How much more satisfying and edifying the exposi- 
tion of the Scriptures ! A good treatise on this depart- 
ment is what one feels to be the food of the soul. 

March 21st, 1840. — I have just read the Bishop of 
Exeter's speech in the House of Lords on Socialism. Oh, 
what a disclosure it makes of sin, delusion, and awful 
retribution, for neglect of religious instruction. This is 
the source of the prevailing evil. The people have 
been neglected ; the population has outgrown the means 
of religious instruction ; and while millions have been 
added to it, there has been almost no addition to the 



244 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



churches and ministers of the land. The consequence is 
now apparent. Oh, that the eyes of our rulers and 
churches might at length be opened. Lord, show them 
that either the people must be taught by the Word of 
God or the country must be ruined. There is an 
awakening — but, alas ! it may be too late. Popery and 
infidelity have obtained an awful supremacy. These are 
the produce of a neglected people. It is well to see there 
are witnesses yet alive, though prophesying in sackcloth. 
The Bishop has, in the present instance, done his duty 
fearlessly and ably. May the Lord crown his labours 
with success. How good it is to see there are any 
ministers in this high station so minded as he is. Lord, 
do Thou raise up many such. " The enemy has come in 
like a flood;" may " the Spirit of the Lord lift up a 
standard against him/' as of old. There is a mighty 
shaking of the churches and the nations. How consoling 
to think, " the Lord reigneth." May I be enabled to say 3 
" I will not be afraid of evil tidings ; my heart is fixed ; 
trusting in the Lord." God, show me what my duty 
is in these times, and may I be enabled faithfully and 
diligently to do it, in Christ Jesus. 

May 30th. — I have this day finished Townsend's 
Bible, having read it through, both the text and notes, 
since August, 1839, in the mornings, before and at break- 
fast. How much time has thus been gained by embrac- 
ing a few minutes of the morning that might have readily 
been wasted ? The book displays great learning and 
great ignorance — learning in the sense of human know- 
ledge, and ignorance in the sense of divine teaching. The 
author does not seem to have any correct ideas of the 
righteousness of Christ, as the ground of justification. He 
is a bigoted Churchman, and yet seems an amiable per- 
son. Lord, do Thou bless the reading of this work to my 



MORNING HEADINGS. 



245 



edification ! May the information I have derived from 
it be brought out seasonably to my mind by the 
Holy Spirit. And now, Lord, do Thou direct in 
selecting some other work for my morning reading. I 
purpose to rise by six, and to have an hour before 
breakfast. I think I will read some part of " Scott's 
Notes on the Bible," with the text. I have also been 
reading several works on slavery, and on the slave trade, 
with a view to the London Conference. I had no idea 
of the extent and enormity of this wickedness until I 
began these works. Oh, how horrible ! One wonders at 
the Divine forbearance. How the curse upon Canaan has 
been executed ! Surely God has some wonderful designs 
in contemplation by this accumulated amount of human 
woe. The depths of depravity in the human heart are, 
indeed, unfathomable. Lord, do Thou prepare me for 
the part I may be called to act in the metropolis. I am 
willing to do what I can. Lord, prepare me, and may 
the Conference be blessed by Thy favour and presence. 

July 12th. — What a wonderful week the last has 
been ! I never expected to see the like in the Synod of 
Ulster. Surely God was in the midst of us. One, and 
only one, unpleasant scene of excitement took place. The 
union between the two Synods was gloriously consum- 
mated. The two missionaries were set apart, so as to 
produce the most tender and deep emotions. The depu- 
tation from the Church of Scotland was most seasonable 
and useful. At the appointment of the missionaries, a 
collection was made for their outfit, which has already 
amounted to above £500. We have reason to say God 
has exceeded our hopes and disappointed our fears. Oh, 
that I had more faith ! I was quite desponding. The 
happiest results, I do trust, promise to follow from the 
arrangements that have been made. Lord, do Thou 



246 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



prosper them. May the ministers of the Assembly be 
much profited and moved by what has occurred. May a 
special blessing rest upon our two beloved missionaries 
and their wives. And grant that the union now so auspi- 
ciously begun may be the beginning of great and good 
things to our Church and to the world ! Lord, help us 
to see how Thine own hand has been conspicuous in all 
that has taken place ; and may results follow that will 
fill heaven with joy and hell with fear. 

July 25th. — A remarkable power appears to have 
accompanied the ministrations of Mr. M'Cheyne in Bel- 
fast. He was universally acceptable ; yet it was no mere 
elocution that attracted. One lady well described him 
by saying he had been in the third heavens. His personal 
piety seems to have been the secret of his great power. 
He breathed the spirit of heaven and of prayer. I could 
greatly have wished he had stayed longer. Surely we 
might have looked for a great outpouring of the Spirit. 
He is remembered with the most tender and endeared 
interest. He lives under the impression that he knows 
not the moment he may be called away, as he labours 
under an affection of the heart. And why do we not all 
live so ? Oh, that I had more of this spirit ! To myself, 
I trust his visit was profitable. I have felt my mind 
somewhat quickened since he was here. 

October 24-th. — My mind has been latterly impressed, 
more than usual, with a sense of the great design of the 
ministry being the conversion of sinners. I have felt 
deeply solicitous that this end should be answered in my 
ministry, and I have been unhappy in considering how 
many are accustomed to sit under it, and yet give no 
evidence of this great change. Many of these are most 
amiable and estimable persons, having the forms of re- 
ligion, contributing their substance for its extension, and 



THE "PILGRIM'S PROGRESS." 



247 



not a few observing such practices as family worship. 
Yet they do not seem to be spiritually-minded. Lord, 
how helpless am I ! What can I do to alarm such as 
are at ease in Zion ? May I be made faithful in dealing 
with all such, both publicly and privately. 

January 16th, 1841. — The excitement in the minds 
of the people on the subject of Mr. O'Connell's visit still 
increases. The town is filled with soldiers. The expense 
of this proceeding to the public will be several thousand 
pounds. All this for the mischievous purpose of a bad 
man and a few Eoman Catholics. Oh, how Popery shows 
itself ! How hard it is to possess patience of soul at such 
a time ! How weak we are, and easily carried into 
any excess ! Lord, have mercy upon me, and grant me 
steadfast principle and purpose. Forbid that blood should 
be shed. May the people be kept calm and forbearing. 
And oh, that out of all this some good may arise, uniting 
the Protestant population more to one another, and show- 
ing them the designs and artifice of Popery. Lord, do 
Thou restrain and guide my own spirit, and help me to 
be watchful against rash expressions which may be un- 
called for and injurious. To Thee do I commit myself, 
and family, and flock, that we may be preserved in the 
abounding evil. 

January 23rd. — I have this week read over the first 
part of the " Pilgrim's Progress," and found myself greatly 
refreshed by it. I had almost forgotten its peculiarities. 
I think it would be profitable to read it once every year. 
The great lesson it impresses on the mind is watchfulness. 
The very idea that the Christian is a pilgrim is good and 
useful. Lord, enable me constantly to cherish it. Some- 
times when I read the Pilgrim's trials I was disposed to 
doubt if I knew anything of true religion ; but again I 
see he describes cases to which mine corresponds — 



248 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



when the soul was at first gently drawn, and ever after 
tenderly dealt with. However it is, I trust I am " found 
in Christ." 

February 13th. — My mind has latterly been occupied 
somewhat with the principles of the Total Abstinence 
Society. Ought I, for the sake of example, to join it ? 
I am willing to abstain altogether myself, and already 
may be said to do so. I wish others would do the same. 
But I do not see how it is lawful to form a society, whose 
members are bound not to use what the Scriptures do not 
condemn. Paul would abstain from meat if it proved a 
stumbling-block to others ; but would he have formed or 
joined a society whose members were pledged not to use 
meat ? I think he would have counted it inconsistent 
with Christian liberty. Lord, discover to me what is 
my duty in this case. I am ready to do it so far as 
I have light. 

February 20th. — Yesterday my friend and brother, 
Mr. Dill, minister at Carnmoney, died of fever. A young 
man — not forty years old — leaving a widow and four 
young children, with the near prospect of a fifth, and no 
earthly provision for them beyond the Widow's Fund. 
Surely this event should deeply impress my mind, who 
have twice been brought through dangerous fever. I am 
spared, but he is taken. Lord, teach me to be faithful 
and diligent while I am spared in the vineyard. Have 
pity on the poor widow and her children. I have been 
to visit her to-day, and had seen him in his sickness. I 
believe he died in the faith of the Gospel, and enjoys his 
reward. Lord, bless the seed he sowed, and do Thou, 
in mercy, raise up a faithful successor to him. 

February 27th. — The journal of last week was 
omitted, in consequence of my absence from home. I had 
gone to Dublin as a member of a deputation to the Lord 



THE NATIONAL BOARD OF EDUCATION. 249 

Lieutenant on the subject of the Synod's schools. Hitherto 
we have considered it our duty to refuse the aid of the 
National Board of Education, as it required a limitation 
in the use of the Bible. But it has pleased God now to 
bless the faithful and unyielding testimony of the Synod, 
for the Board has acceded to our principles, and our 
schools are now to be endowed without any compromise 
of principle on our part. The deputation were not 
prepared for this happy .consummation. We were led to 
cry out like Israel when delivered from bondage — " When 
the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like 
them that dream." Blessed be God for His wonderful 
interference on our behalf. We were unable to support 
our own schools and we knew not what to do, when God 
thus unexpectedly opened our way. May great good 
result from this measure. It is still to be lamented that 
so much of the public funds should go to be used by 
parties who give an improper education, but for this we 
are not responsible. While our schools shall be managed 
as we please, no doubt the Koman Catholics will do the 
same. Indeed they have been doing so all along. It is 
well that so much of the public money has been rescued 
from abuse. A better race of teachers will be raised up 
by means of this endowment. May the Lord own, rule, 
and direct all for His own glory in Christ. 

September 25th. — On Thursday last, I arrived here (in 
London), at the invitation of a committee of the Church of 
Scotland, to aid them in bringing their present troubles be- 
fore her Majesty's Government. Yesterday we were occu- 
pied in calling on various members of Parliament. To-day 
we are to have an audience with Sir E. Peel, as Premier ; 
and I have withdrawn to my closet, that I may weigh our 
position, seek the Divine counsel, and read His blessed 
Word. Lord, direct and bless me in these exercises. 



250 



LIFE AND TIMES OP DR. MORGAN". 



May I be taught of Thee how to act and what to say. 
Bless all the members of the deputation. May they be 
guided by Thy counsel ; and, as all hearts are in Thine 
hand, may it please Thee to rule our rulers, and especially 
to control him with whom we are to confer. My fears 
are many, but my trust is in G-od. A very discouraging 
letter has come from the Duke of Wellington. It is alto- 
gether unworthy of a great man, and discovers a melan- 
choly ignorance of all the affairs of. the Church of Scotland ; 
but God has a great work in that kingdom, and He will 
not forsake the work of His hands. May Thy people be 
brought out of this furnace purified seven times ; and may 
all the Churches and the nations know that Christ is He 
who searcheth the hearts and trieth the reins of the 
children of men. I will now read the 2nd Psalm. Lord 
enable me to do so in faith. 

September 26th. — T have just been at Surrey Chapel, 
and heard Mr. Sherman. His sermon was on Heb. iv. 3. 
It was very good, and my soul was greatly refreshed by 
it. I have written out a sketch of it, and purpose to try 
and preach it. I have been much exercised to-day about 
my own preaching. What could I do to render it more 
profitable ? I have felt that I ought to secure more time 
for reading, and meditation, and prayer. I am too much 
carried away with the active duties of my ministry. 
Lord, instruct me and own me. Some persons have 
affected to think little of Mr. Sherman ; but this is 
vain. He is, perhaps, not a man of great strength of 
mind, nor powerful in argument ; but he must possess 
many gifts. His ministry is most engaging and useful. 
It is plain, practical, and simple. May the Lord bless 
him and his flock abundantly. He must be no ordinary 
man who sustains such a congregation as waits on 
his ministry. I felt much reverence for the memory 



DEATH OF REV. ALEX. KERR. 



251 



of Rowland Hill, while I was in the chapel he had 
built. Oh, that it may long be a bright light in this 
great metropolis. 

Sabbath morning, October 9. — Meditated part viii. of 
address on united prayer, and prayed, but had not much 
enjoyment, being unwell. Notwithstanding, I had great 
strength and liberty in the public services of the day, 
and concluded all the services of the Communion without 
difficulty. The living God was with me. Blessed be His 
name. 

On coming from the pulpit I received the awful 
intelligence of the death of our beloved missionary, Alex. 
Kerr, in India. I was wholly overwhelmed. At first I 
nearly fainted ; then burst into a flood of tears, and 
obtained some relief. During the evening I could only 
weep and lament. To-day my mind is more calm. I 
have written a letter to the newspapers announcing the 
melancholy event. Lord, this is a great trial of our 
faith. May it please Thee to guide and bless us under 
it. God, do Thou sustain his widow and the other 
members of the mission. May it yet be blessed to the 
best interests of this cause. Our way is now dark, but I 
shall stand still until I see the salvation of God. God 
guide my reflections and plans ! 

Monday morning. — Reviewed the whole address, and 
engaged in prayer for the several objects contained in it. 

Monday evening. — Olosed the services by a public 
united prayer meeting in our large school-house, which 
was densely crowded, and the deepest interest prevailed. 

January 15th, 18^2. — Our four missionaries have 
been set apart on Wednesday, the 12th inst. We had a 
most blessed day. In the morning, May Street Church 
was filled to overflowing, and the deepest interest 
prevailed. A meeting was again held in the evening, for 



252 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



prayer, on behalf of the Mission. A fine spirit prevails 
on this subject. How easily God can bring good out 
of evil. Poor Mr. Kerr's death has been the occasion of 
all this great excitement. Lord have mercy upon us, and 
do Thou direct and bless it to a good end. I go next week, 
please God, to London, respecting their passage. May the 
Lord be with me. Dr. Cooke is to accompany me that we 
may endeavour to bring our Home Mission before the 
public there. Oh, that our way may be opened. This 
mission is of vast importance. May the Lord bless it 
abundantly, and grant that our visit to the sister land 
may be for good to it and us and many. 

June 4th. — It is wonderful to see how an attempt to 
do good may eventually be blessed, although it may long 
seem to be unproductive, or even for a time injurious. 
Of this, a remarkable instance has just occurred. A year 
ago, at the election of Members for our Borough, I 
suffered great opprobrium by proposing in the newspapers 
that each party should return one, and so prevent the 
bribery and corruption that would otherwise ensue. The 
election, however, was contested, and the Conservatives 
returned. A petition was forwarded for their removal, 
and the election declared informal and invalid. But lo ! 
the parties have now fallen back on my proposal, and 
they have agreed that there be no contest, but that one 
of each party be returned. Thus the good seed planted a 
year ago, seems now to be blessed and grow. I do bless 
the Lord for this termination of our quarrels. May it be 
so consummated. Alas ! what crime was committed and 
would be committed ao-ain. Lord, make me wise to 
know what I should do, and firm and faithful to do it. 
Be Thou my guide, for Thou only canst lead me in 
safety. Amen. 

June 25th. — About a month ago I proposed to the 



PROPOSAL TO STAND IN PSALMODY. 



253 



congregation to stand at our psalmody, in the hope that 
the change might improve it. This was rendered neces- 
sary by singing having greatly departed from the church, 
in consequence of the leading by a choir in which the air 
was not sufficiently strong. The people nearly all stood 
up, but a few did not. Since that time it has been con- 
tinued, but I find many dissatisfied — some with reason, 
because they are infirm, and some without reason, because 
they are strong. A few would go so far as to leave the 
congregation on account of it. On the whole, although 
the singing is improved by the change, I deem it my 
duty to return to our former practice. I trust what has 
been done, however, will be useful, inasmuch as it will 
cause the people to feel our anxiety for their joining 
heartily in the praises of God ; and I learn another lesson 
for my own direction — how careful I should be not to 
interfere with the ancient usages of the people when no 
principle requires it. It is dangerous to trifle even with 
their prejudices ; and we must please our neighbour for 
his good to edification. 

September 3rd. — I have just finished reading the 
" Narrative of a Mission of Enquiry to the Jews from the 
Church of Scotland," and have been greatly edified by 
it. It has vastly increased my interest on behalf of 
Israel. Lord, forgive my coldness on the subject hitherto. 
Encourage and bless our present attempts on their behalf. 
On Monday next we meet to appoint a missionary to 
them. May the Lord preside ! I rejoice to observe the 
book closed by a remark which I made in the presence of 
one of the writers when he was last here, at a public 
meeting, that our Church is now apostolic in having its 
Home, Gentile, and Jewish Missions. I suppose the re- 
mark impressed him, and now it appears in this admir- 
able book. Thank God for the thought, for I believe it 



254 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



has been useful. Oh, that the salvation of Israel were 
come out of Zion ! It will be a happy day for the world 
when Israel is restored. Lord hasten it, and may their 
return be life from the dead to the Gentiles. 

November 26th. — Peace is announced with China. 
Blessed be God for such intelligence ! If the same were 
obtained in India there would be a universal peace, and 
very soon, I think, it will be so. Surely this is a happy 
omen for good. God is preparing the way for the mes- 
sengers of the Cross through all lands. It was so at the 
commencement of the Christian era, and I have no doubt 
God designs to do as great things by it now as He did 
then. Providence is remarkably interfering of late years 
to prepare the way of a preached Gospel. This has been 
manifest in the history of the South Seas, of the West 
Indies, the East Indies, Burmah, and China. In the first, 
that they were discovered before modern missions were 
commenced, and had public attention turned to them by 
Captain Cooke aud others ; in the West, by means of 
negro slavery attention was turned there ; the East has 
been placed under Britain ; by the late war in Burmah 
towns were ceded where the missionary lives in safety ; 
and now the ports of China are opened for commerce and 
the preaching of the Cross. Blessed be the God of provi- 
dence. In His hand the triumphs of grace are sure. 

January 9 th, 1843. — I have just heard that a letter 
has been received from the Queen in Council, stating that 
no redress is to be given to the Church of Scotland. 
Lord, undertake Thou for Thy servants. Some hundreds 
of ministers will be driven from their flocks and homes. 
The days of persecution are returned. Who could have 
imagined such a crisis would come so speedily. God, 
be with Thy servants, to uphold their minds in this hour 
of trial. Graciously comfort their wives, and children, and 



BI-CENTENARY OF PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 255 



flocks. Oh, do Thou give them the spirit of wisdom now 
to devise such plans as may still keep the Gospel before 
the people. Pity and pardon our rulers, who have* sinned 
so grievously, and do Thou bring them to repentance. 
Oh, give a right spirit to the people of Scotland, that 
they may not provoke Thee to remove their teachers out 
of their sight. I do not despair but God will yet bring 
good out of this evil. 

January 22nd. — Our bi-centenary meetings, by the 
Divine blessing, have been going on prosperously. This 
is the case not merely in this town, but throughout the 
country. Great exertions have been made in very many 
places. Both in Derry and Dublin subscriptions have 
been raised amounting to nearly £1,000 in each. In some 
country towns £100 have been obtained. In Belfast, the 
sum promises to approach £3000. In Fisher wick Place 
there is now about £1000, and more is expected. Well 
may it be said, What hath God wrought ? It is truly 
surprising to see such things among the Presbyterians of 
Ulster, who, a few years ago, were as twice dead, plucked 
up by the roots. Surely this is the doing of the Lord. 
May we not expect that many souls have been savingly 
impressed when such efforts are made ? May we not hope 
that God will bless this effort as an important means of 
grace, and indulge the expectation that God will now 
more abundantly bless us, both at home and abroad, and 
make our Church the means of salvation to many ? 

February 25th. — I have been engaged in reading 
the memoirs of the Bev. Peter Boe, all this evening, 
and am much moved by the many interesting recollec- 
tions which they call up. I enjoyed his friendship at the 
commencement of my ministry in the South, and this 
continued till his death. He was full of hope that the 
Church of England was about to be the " light and salt 



256 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



of the earth." How his heart would have been broken 
had he lived to see its condition now ! What is the 
reason ■ that G-od has allowed fatal error to spread so 
rapidly and extensively through it ? I have no doubt it 
arose from the strong delusion of Satan, who was pro- 
voked by seeing such an extensive revival of religion 
within it. But then, why has God judicially abandoned 
it to that delusion ? It is presumptuous to speak posi- 
tively ; but may not the reason be the spirit of boasting, 
which so much prevailed in it — boasting of its exclusive 
apostolicity, &c, &c. ? Lord, do Thou humble and re- 
store this sister Church, and may our Church be warned. 
We, too, boast. Lord, make and keep us humble, that 
we may not fall into the condemnation of the devil. 

March 18th. — I have been reading a speech by Dr. 
Chalmers on the duty of Christians in Scotland at the 
present crisis, and it has filled me with wonder and delight. 
He urges to exertion, details what has been done, and 
shows what may be done for the support of a Free Church 
in Scotland. How plainly he shows that all that is needed 
may be done. I cannot but almost fear that any measure 
should be introduced by Government to stop these noble 
proceedings. If not checked, they will open up sources 
of support and springs of blessing in Scotland which were 
never supposed to have existed. Oh, what may be accom- 
plished by one man of energy and perseverance ! Dr. 
Chalmers never appeared half so great as now. He is 
showing himself no mean successor of Knox, and Melville, 
and Henderson. He is probably equal to any of them 
in mental and moral power, and I would not wonder if 
he should be the instrument of as great a work as any of 
them. Lord, spare him, keep him, guide him, strengthen 
him, bless him and his work. Amen. 

April 22nd. — Next week is set apart in Scotland for 



"the disruption." 



257 



an appeal to be made to the friends of the Gospel for 
funds to erect six hundred churches. May the Lord 
prosper it. It will be an eventful week, perhaps one of 
the most so that Scotland ever saw. Oh, that wisdom 
and faithfulness may be largely conferred on the ministers 
and others who shall direct the movement, and that a 
spirit of unexampled generosity may be poured out upon 
. those who are able to contribute of their substance. An 
example may be set that shall serve for a stimulus to the 
whole of Christendom. God grant that it may be so ! 
It is likely to be in Scotland as of old — the aristocracy 
against the peasantry, the proud and rich against the 
poor and pious ; but the issue was glorious before, and I 
have no doubt will be so again. Thou great King and 
Head of the Church, do Thou Thyself preside ; take Thy 
mighty power and reign ; subdue Thine enemies by the 
force of Thy love. Oh, that glorious results may issue 
from the present struggle. May the Lord keep His own 
people, and enable them to be faithful. 

May 20th. — At length the long-expected disruption has 
taken place in the Church of Scotland. Above 400 minis- 
ters have come out, and more are expected, for conscience 
sake. They have done nobly, and in a way most Chris- 
tian and honourable. The Lord bless them and be with 
them. Oh, what a sight for Christendom ! May it be profit- 
able. I tremble for the Government that has thrust them 
out, for thrust out they have been by violent and unheard- 
of interpretations of law. As honest men, our brethren 
could not do otherwise than they have done. What the 
result of this step may be, God only knows. It promises 
to be very serious. The whole question of establishments 
will be changed. It is not impossible they may all fall 
in these countries. Blessed be God, religion is indepen- 
dent of them. His Church cannot be destroyed. Jesus 
s 



258 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



lives, and, therefore, it shall live in Him. Lord, sustain, 
and comfort, and direct, and own Thy servants. May 
their counsels be wise and their plans prosperous. Eegard 
their families, their wives and children, who suffer with 
them ; bless their flocks. Oh, that they may be kept in 
this evil day ! Pity and pardon, and bring to repentance, 
those remaining members of the Assembly who have acted 
unfaithfully. Lord, discover to them how far they have 
erred, and suffer them not to fall into hardness of heart. 
May the Government who have acted so erroneously be 
enlightened and brought to sound views. Lord, forgive 
me for having in any way contributed to their present 
exaltation. I mourn that I voted for the return to Par- 
liament of any man who is a member of the present 
Government. May this be a lesson to me while I live. 
A Tory Government ever has been unfriendly to religion, 
and is decidedly so now. I was deceived by their profes- 
sions of piety. It is plain they are insincere, if not 
hypocritical. Not that the Whigs were much better : 
they made no pretence to religion, and that seems to con- 
stitute the difference. Well, this is the lesson, to " cease 
from man." God only is to be trusted. May His ser- 
vants now find Him their strength and deliverer. Great 
good, I do trust, will arise out of these troubles. The 
Word will be preached with new vigour, and, no doubt, 
unusual power will attend it. Oh, that the Holy Ghost 
may be given largely, and many sinners converted to the 
faith of Jesus ! Amen. 

November 18th. — This week, letters have been re- 
ceived from the missionaries, after three months' silence. 
The mails had gone astray. Blessed be God, they are all 
well. Better still, the work of God seems to have fairly 
commenced in the hopeful conversion of a Mahommedan 
Munshi at Poorbunder. May this prove the first fruits 



THE STATE TRIALS. 



259 



of the mission in Katty war. The work bears every mark 
of being genuine, and it has so commended itself to the 
missionaries that I suppose he is by this time baptised. 
May he be, indeed, baptised by the Holy Ghost. In 
all. this, what an answer to my prayer contained in the 
journal of last week ! For some time my prayers have 
been much turned to that point — some conversion as the 
seal of God to the mission. Truly He is the hearer of 
prayer. Oh, that I were enabled and encouraged to put 
my trust in Him ! 

February 10th, 1844- — The whole country is in a 
state of great excitement by the trials of Mr. O'Connell 
and others, at present going forward in Dublin, on the 
charge of conspiracy. Next week, it is expected, these 
will come to an end. How much evil has this great man 
done ? Yet there is no doubt he has been an instrument 
in the hand of God for good. Alas ! that he should have 
so many grounds of complaint from the misconduct of 
landlords and others in authority. It would seem as if 
those who are great in this world needed some scourge to 
keep them within due bounds. Yet this does not justify 
the instrument who endeavours to plunge the community 
in confusion and rebellion. Lord, give grace to our 
rulers to be firm and faithful. May they be directed to 
measures for the peace of society. This country would 
prosper had we only peace. God, I thank Thee Thou 
hast cast my lot so far away from the contentions of men. 
Blessed be Thy grace, which has given me a quiet and 
contented spirit. Lord, enable me to walk with Thee. 

April 20th. — I have been reading the life of Mr. 
M'Cheyne by Mr. Bonar, and earnestly pray it may be 
profitable to me. As I read, the thought sometimes comes 
into my mind — Have I any religion at all ? Oh, what per- 
sonal holiness he sought and found ! But it is particularly 



260 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN". 



his ministerial character that arrests my attention. It 
makes me ashamed of myself. One great peculiarity in 
him was that he ever sought the immediate conversion of 
his hearers, and was never content until he saw evidence 
of it. And why should it not be so with every minister ? 
Surely it is the very object he should always aim at. 

May 18th. — I have spent almost the whole of this 
day in reading " The Bible in Spain," a book by George 
Borrow, narrating his labours to circulate the Scriptures 
in that country. How it reveals the character of Popery 
in the condition of the people ! They seem to be little 
better than the heathen, and are sunk in ignorance 
and vice. The Bible is a book unknown to the nation. 
I question if the state of society is better in Spain and 
Portugal than in some districts of India. Oh, Britain, 
how great are thy privileges ! This is the reflection forced 
upon my mind whatever I read of other countries ; and 
all Britain's superiority is derived from the knowledge 
and influence of the Scriptures. Lord, do Thou spread 
this Divine light through all the world. May they who 
possess it walk in it ; may we know our mercies and 
responsibility. This is the " light shining in a dark place 
to which we do well that we take heed." Lord, enable 
me to " hide Thy Word in my heart, that I sin not against 
Thee." 

June 8th. — My mind has been greatly impressed by 
the reports of the Assembly of the Free Church in Edin- 
burgh. Surely God was there. I much question if 
ever such an Assembly met before. There have been 
Assemblies where courage and zeal were more called 
forth — where principles were asserted under greater diffi- 
culties — and where steps were taken that told more 
powerfully in after generations. But I doubt if any As- 
sembly ever exhibited the same amount of hallowed and 



"accepted in the beloved." 



261 



sanctified fellowship. The Spirit of heaven was there. 
Brotherly love abounded. I anticipate the happiest re- 
sults to the cause of Christ in the land. It matters not 
who opposes the Free Church ; it is plain Cod is with it. 
Oh, when shall our Assembly at all resemble it ? I feel a 
deep concern about our next meeting, and find many of 
my brethren are exercised in the same way. May this 
be a token for good. Lord, do Thou preside in it. Pre- 
pare us for it, through Christ Jesus. 

August 1 7 th. — My mind has been forcibly struck with 
that expression in Eph. i. 6 — " Accepted in the Beloved." 
Many times have I read and repeated it. It was my 
custom to do so in prayer ; yet it came into my mind 
yesterday with such force and clearness that it seemed as 
if I had never thought of it before. The blessing seemed 
to be so great — " accepted," admitted to the favour of 
God — and the manner of obtaining it so wonderful and 
sure — "in the Beloved" — Christ being meant ; the believer 
acceptable with God even as he is beloved for His sake. 
This is a remarkable feature in the Scriptures — the fresh- 
ness with which its passages come up to the mind from 
time to time. How is this to be accounted for ? Is it 
not by the fact that the Scriptures are the Word of the 
Holy Spirit, and that He takes pleasure to use and honour 
His own Word. Holy Spirit, teach me to prize Thy 
Word more, and to study it better. May it dwell in me 
richly in all wisdom and understanding. 

February 1st, 1845. — This week I have been greatly 
occupied about our new college, and the funds for its 
erection. Surely I may say, " Lord of Hosts, blessed 
is the man that trusteth in Thee." Without one per- 
sonal application, there has been remitted to me by 
about thirty persons more than £1,600. What hath God 
wrought ! I ascribe this to the direct influence of the 



262 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



Holy Spirit on the hearts of the people. Lord, enable 
me to continue to trust in Thee. Once during the week 
I felt much cast down, and feared ; another time I 
was over-excited when some of my arrangements were 
thwarted. I confess that in both I offended. Lord, 
forgive me. Oh, do Thou increase my faith. To-morrow 
I preach, if the Lord will, in reference to the subject. 

February 15th. — Almost nothing has been done this 
week for the college. The reason seems to have been the 
publication of the Queen's Speech on the opening of Par- 
liament, in which it is said a provision is to be made in 
Ireland for " Academical Education." Our friends have 
consequently hesitated until it is seen what is meant. 
But I anticipate no permanent injury from this. Either 
something will be proposed that may serve for our under- 
graduate course ; or, if the scheme be such as we cannot 
adopt, we will have a fresh argument to bring before the 
public. I still feel confident God will carry forward His 
own work. This day our deputation were to have an 
audience with Sir E. Peel on the subject. I was enabled 
to commend them to God, in earnest prayer, for the 
occasion, and to wrestle with God for the Premier, that 
he might be inclined to good counsel. Oh, that it may 
be seen these prayers have been heard ! Lord undertake 
for us. Our hope and confidence are in Thee only. 
Establish Thou Thine own work, God ! 

April 19th. — There prevails a great excitement in this 
country, and, I believe, still more in England and Scot- 
land, about the Government grant to Maynooth. I had 
hardly expected to see so much interest taken in it. There 
may be more Protestant feeling in the country than was 
thought ; but it will not all do. The present Conser- 
vative Government will, I doubt not, pass and carry the 
measure. A dark day for England ! This is done to 



INTERRUPTION OF JOURNAL. 



263 



pacify, but I am much mistaken if the opposite be not 
the result. This concession will pave the way for a fresh 
demand. Popery will probably spread and strengthen in 
these countries. When ripe for it, persecution will be 
tried. Then will come the deadly struggle. Blessed be 
God, the persecution, though severe, will be short. Then 
will come the great overthrow of Antichrist, and Christ 
will be glorified. Lord, teach me my duty in this event- 
ful day, for Christ's sake. 

June 14th. — On Monday, the 9th instant, at ten 
o'clock p.m., my much-loved child, Harriet, breathed her 
spirit into the hands of her Saviour. Nothing could be 
more serene than her death. She continued sensible, and 
spoke nearly to the last. We have great consolation in 
her death. Her life and her death were both those of a 
true disciple. She had clear knowledge, simple faith, 
sincere piety, ardent zeal, and genuine holiness. She was 
ripe for the kingdom of heaven. Her death has called 
out much sympathy, and made a happy impression upon 
many. She was a great favourite, and it is only now we 
are hearing many things of her that it is most cheering 
to learn. God, wilt Thou bless her death to us all — 
to her parents, her brothers, her sisters ? 

January 3rd, 184-6. — -I have not kept my weekly 
journal for the last six months. One reason of this was 
that I wished to see the effect of such omission, and hence 
the better to judge of the propriety of the practice which 
I have pursued for eleven years. The conclusion to which 
I have come is, that it is good to keep a, journal. I 
believe God has made it profitable to me. I have just 
read over the journal for the last quarter that I kept it, 
and I would not, on any account, lose the remarks con- 
tained in it. Were it not for these, that portion of my 
life could never be recalled by me in the same manner. 



264 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



If God spares me a few years, or to old age, may I not 
hope to find much profit in reading over these journals ? 
I, therefore, now begin again. 

February 21st. — Blessed news once more from India. 
It has pleased God to give to his servants four new in- 
stances of conversion. This time the missionaries who have 
been honoured are the Eevs. J. and A. D. Glasgow. By 
preaching in the villages around Rajkote, the Gospel has 
been brought in power to four souls, and they have sought 
and obtained baptism. They live in two different villages, 
are persons of some property and influence, one of them 
an old man, and none of them very young. The hearts 
of the missionaries are filled with thankfulness. God, 
I give Thee praise. What are we that Thou hast thus 
owned and honoured us ? Bless our missionaries, God. 
May they be greatly encouraged to persevere in their 
labours ; and do Thou bless these converts ! May it 
be apparent in their future life and at the judgment that 
they are, indeed, converts to Christ. Oh, pour out the 
Spirit upon India. Lord, let it all be given to Jesus for 
an inheritance. May the Church be stimulated at home. 
I thank Thee for the measure of liberality granted ; may 
it be increased. At home and abroad may Jesus triumph. 

March 7 th. — My mind is much engaged with one 
subject, and I now lay it before Thee, Lord. It is the 
selection of a sixth missionary to India. This must now 
be made without delay. Lord, wilt Thou direct us ? 

June 3rd. — Yesterday I returned from Scotland, 
where I had gone to attend the General Assembly. Lord, 
accept my thanks for Thy kind providence to me and my 
family during my absence. I saw much to encourage at 
the Assembly. The work of the Lord is going forward, 
blessed be His name. On the Sabbath I preached twice 
at Dailly, and on Monday at Catrine. There is much 



MES. MAGEE'S BEQUESTS. 



265 



inclination to hear the Word. May it be abundantly 
acknowledged throughout the land. Great wisdom was 
manifested at the Assembly in the treatment of several 
delicate questions. I cannot but think the Lord is guid- 
ing the Free Assembly by His own wisdom. This day 
our directors meet A missionary is to be chosen for 
India. The brother to be proposed is Mr. Wallace, of 
Saintfield. May the Lord preside in our councils. No 
doubt, hindrances may be expected to arise ; but if it 
be the Lord's will to send him they will all be put out 
of the way. God, make our path plain. I thank 
Thee for what Thou hast already done for our mission, 
and I will trust Thee for the future. I was invited to 
address the Free Assembly upon our Foreign Mission, 
and did so. 

June 27th. — An extraordinary circumstance has just 
occurred. Mrs. Magee, of Dublin, died on the 22nd 
instant. She was the widow of a former minister of 
Lurgan. Her two brothers were in the army, and 
amassed a large fortune in India. Their name was 
Stewart, and she was their heir. By her will there have 
been bequeathed to the Assembly for a college, £20,000 • 
for our Indian Mission, about £25,000 ; for the Home 
Mission, £5,000 ; besides other smaller bequests. As- 
tonishing ! God has done it ! Oh, that we may have 
grace to be faithful at such a time. I feel that it is very 
critical. Much good may arise, or, possibly evil. O Lord, 
I look to Thee for guidance and blessing ! 

August 3rd. — This day I go to London on a deputa- 
tion from the Assembly respecting our college. God has 
all hearts in His hand, and this is my only confidence in 
undertaking such a work. He can influence mine, and 
put words of wisdom in my mouth ; He can influence 
those of my companions, and give us unity of counsel 



266 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



and love ; He can influence those of the men in power to 
whom we may go. Lord, give me faith in Thy Word, 
and character, and promise ; help me always to act as in 
Thy presence and accountable to Thee. Do Thou incline 
the hearts of our rulers that they may do what is right 
and good ; and may this movement largely tend to the 
raising up of a faithful and godly ministry among us. 

London, August 19th. — This is the day, long anxiously 
anticipated by many, on which the Evangelical Alliance 
is to be formed in this place. Many prayers have been 
offered for it, and very many of the Lord's servants are 
deeply interested in it. May none of them be disap- 
pointed. There are gentlemen here from almost every 
part of the earth where Christianity is known and pro- 
fessed — I suppose nearly a thousand. How important to 
see so many assembled for such a purpose ! Lord, their 
hearts are all in Thine hand, to turn them as Thou wilt. 
May it please Thee to show Thyself present and favour- 
able. I do not see how anything practical is to result ; 
but God sees, and, if it please Him, He can suggest the 
way. It is in this confidence I go forth. Grant to me, 

Lord, a waiting spirit. Counsel, guide, restrain, and 
bless Thy servants who shall bear a part in the exer- 
cises. Let nothing arise that the enemy can employ 
against the truth. May the influence of the proceedings 
be felt through all the earth. May the work of God be 
revived at home and extended abroad. Direct me, 
Lord, to be silent or to speak. I am in Thy hand, and 
leave myself there, through Christ. 

November 7th. — A gentleman, who is a member of my 
congregation, met me lately, and said he remembered hav- 
ing seen with me a minister, three or four years ago, who 

1 then told him was very poor. He did not remember 
his name. By the description, I understood whom he 



THE FAMINE. 



267 



meant. " That gentleman/' said he, " has been much on 
my mincl for a few days, and I am inclined to send him 
some money." He gave me £10, and asked me to send 
it. I did so, and had his reply, saying his potatoes were 
gone, and that he was in the most difficult circumstances ; 
that he had gone to commit himself to God, and implore 
Him to look to him and his family ; that he had gone to 
the Post Office, thinking, perhaps, the Lord might do 
something for him ; and that he found my letter. What 
a providence is this ! Truly, God can provide ! 

February 13th, 1847 * — The accounts of the distress 
in the country are becoming more and more fearful. The 
newspapers fail to convey the actual amount. If matters 
remain much longer as they are some parts of the land 
may be depopulated. In many districts death is in every 
house. The hearts of parents and children are becoming 
so callous that death is now little regarded. In the midst 
of all this, everything that is possible is done to alleviate 
the distress ; yet it is of little use. We cannot keep the 
people from dying of starvation. Lord, what meaneth 
this ? Oh, that we may see Thy hand, and consider Thy 
ways ! The Bible was burned in the land, and murder 
shed the blood of many innocent persons, and now God 
visits for these things. Yet, who is innocent \ All have 
contributed to swell the torrent of national sin. I have 
this day published a tract on the subject, founded on 
1 Peter, v. 6. Lord, wilt Thou bless this attempt ? Oh, 
let it not be in vain ! 

February 27th. — I was surprised, on the 25th inst., 
by receiving a letter from the Glasgow University, an- 
nouncing; that the Senatus Academicus had conferred on 
me the degree of D.D. The vote was represented to be 

* la this year Dr. Morgan was Moderator of the General As- 
sembly. 



268 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



unanimous and cordial. Such honour I never sought. 
The bestowment of it has excited a large share of atten- 
tion and interest at home, and has been noticed in a 
very flattering manner by the several newspapers. Lord, 
what am I or my father's house that Thou hast brought 
me hitherto ? 

March 6 th. — I have been altogether surprised by the 
attention which appears to have been excited by the 
degree conferred on me by the Glasgow University. A 
great deal of notice has been taken of it publicly and 
privately. This shows me the importance which men 
attach to a matter so trifling ; because, as I suppose, it 
falls in with their ideas of pride. I could not have thought 
so much would have been made of it. I did esteem it an 
honour, but certainly a very small one compared with the 
view that others seem to have taken of it. It shows me, 
also, that many took a deeper interest in me than I sup- 
posed. 

March 27th. — Wednesday, the 24th instant, was ob- 
served as a fast-day in these kingdoms by request of the 
Queen and Parliament, that the people might humble 
themselves under the mighty hand of God by reason of 
the national distress. It was a most blessed day. The 
places of public worship were all open and fully attended, 
the congregations larger than on the Sabbath-days. Not 
only so ; but, although the day was beautifully fine, the 
people did not go out to walk or seek amusement in the 
evening. I never saw such solemnity and stillness in our 
streets, and do believe it was such a fast-day as the Lord 
approves. The minds of the people were much moved. 
In the evening, when Dr. Cooke went to preach the last 
sermon in a series of discourses on " Justification," thou- 
sands were there who could not be admitted. I took away 
a full congregation and preached in another church ; so did 



DEATH OF DR. CHALMERS. 



269 



Mr. Toye ; still the crowds could not be accommodated. 
Surely in such a day there was a token for good. May 
the Lord say, " From this day I will bless thee." I doubt 
if Ireland ever saw such a day before. 

April 22nd. — This day I go to England, in conse- 
quence of the death of my beloved friend, Rev. Josias 
Wilson, at London, being requested to preach his funeral 
sermon on the Sabbath, and administer the Lord's Sup- 
per on the following Sabbath. I feel these to be most 
trying services ; but the Lord will sustain me in them. 
Great use ought to be made of this dispensation. Lord, 
enable me to improve it as I ought ! 

June 5th. — The awful intelligence has reached us 
this week of the death of Dr. Chalmers, of Edinburgh, 
on the 31st of May. This event has fallen on the com- 
munity like a thunderbolt. He went to bed on the Sab- 
bath in his usual health, and was found dead in the 
morning, with his preparations for writing placed around 
him. He died in the harness. Thus has fallen the 
greatest man of this age, or perhaps of any age. No man 
ever possessed the various accomplishments he did — in- 
tellectual, literary, and religious — -the most profound, 
and, at the same time, the most eloquent man on the 
earth. His moral weight was the greatest of any of the 
children of men — arising largely from his undeviating 
consistency and unsuspected purity, no less than his 
extraordinary attainments and intellectual elevation. A 
public meeting was held on Wednesday evening, for 
humiliation, at which I was to speak, and I embraced 
the opportunity to address a large audience on his death. 
God helped me, and the remarks seemed to be very 
acceptable. I wrote them afterwards from memory, and 
they were published in the Banner. Lord, bless this 
solemn event ! 



270 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



June 19 th. — Two events of vast importance to our 
Assembly have this week been determined. The Govern- 
ment have included in the Irish Estimates for this year 
endowments for four additional chairs for the education 
of our students — making now, in all, eight chairs, with 
£250 a year each. It is a great honour which God has 
conferred on us to have made us the instruments of ob- 
taining this arrangement. Had it not been for His grace 
in giving us perseverance and watchfulness, I believe it 
could not have been effected. The Lord be magnified for 
this, and may He give us wisdom duly to improve our 
advantages ! Another event is not less important. The 
will of the late Mrs. Magee has been established in the 
law courts, by which £60,000 come to the Assembly — for 
building a college, £20,000 ; for the Foreign Mission, 
£30,000 ; and the remainder for the Home Mission and 
other objects. Lord, wilt Thou teach us what use to make 
of all this ? Especially grant concord in our own counsels, 
that no evil may ensue, but much advantage to the spread 
of the Gospel and Thy glory. Amen. 

July 6th. — This day the Assembly meets at eleven 
o'clock. To me it is a solemn and important meeting. 
As Moderator of last year I am to open with a discourse, 
and in my hands are the principal papers and business 
for the year. I therefore much need the grace and 
guidance of God. I am encouraged, by the recollection 
of the past meeting, to trust God for the present. He 
stood by me and strengthened me then, and it is in this 
dependence I now go forth. 

November 6th. — I have just finished Calvin's Com- 
mentary on Hosea in my morning readings. It is the 
best of all his Comments which I have yet read. He 
delivered it daily, it seems, and his words were taken 
down by some who heard them, and they were published 



MORNING READINGS. 



271 



under his own revision. They are, in my mind, better 
than some of his Commentaries which he wrote out with 
care. I thank God that He has inclined my heart to this 
morning reading. By persevering in it, I have been 
enabled to get through a great deal of exposition of the 
Word of G-od. One would not anticipate doing so much 
by so simple a plan. I have now pursued it many years, 
and have found it most edifying. Lord, make me thank- 
ful for the opportunity. It is my intention, while Calvin 
is fresh in my mind, to read Scott on Hosea, and compare 
them. So far as I have seen, Scott is the best of the 
commentators. There is a vein of downright honesty and 
decision in his remarks which has always commended 
them to me. Many anticipate a great treat in Chalmers's 
Meditations on the Scriptures, to be published immedi- 
ately. Lord own them. 

November 13th. — The students are assembled in the 
room overhead, for the first time this session, to commence 
their usual prayer-meetings. They are waiting to be ad- 
dressed by Dr. Cooke, it being the practice for ministers 
to address them in turn. Lord, do Thou bless these exer- 
cises. I feel a deeper interest in the students since my 
name was spoken of in connexion with the Assembly's 
College. The thought sometimes comes into my mind 
that I did wrong in not undertaking their pastoral care ; 
but my judgment still is that my pulpit is the more fitting 
place for me. I have been concerned to see evidence in 
the fruit of my ministry that Cod approved my decision, 
and am thankful not to be without it. The congre- 
gation is outwardly very prosperous, and some cases of 
personal benefit have appeared. 

In the close of this year, 1847, 1 desire here to record 
one special blessing which the Lord has conferred upon 
me, besides, my personal and family mercies — I mean the 



272 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



Eldership which. He gave me a few months ago. I 
expected much of them ; but have enjoyed more than 
was anticipated. They have all been to me most comfort- 
able and serviceable. The congregation has been divided 
into districts, which they have severally taken under their 
care. Nearly all the families in these have been visited 
by them. There has been nothing unpleasant, and very 
much to encourage. Lord, I pray for my elders, that 
they may be kept of Thee. May their own souls prosper, 
and may they contribute largely to the spiritual prosperity 
of the people. 

January 1st, 184-8. — I am spared to see the end of 
another year. What a year ! There never before was 
such in Ireland. I was continually exposed to infectious 
disease, yet no sickness was permitted to fall upon me or 
my family. Bless the Lord, my soul ! Yet how barren 
have I been ! Lord, enable me to enter on this year with 
right purposes. There is some encouragement, blessed be 
His name ! This week two gentlemen, among the richest 
and best educated in the congregation, have given evi- 
dence of having been profited by the Word. Both are 
advanced in life, too. Surely there is no limit to the 
Spirit's power. God be magnified ! 

February 19 th. — On Tuesday last I received a present 
of nearly £700 from the congregation, as a token of their 
gratitude for my having declined to accept the Chair of 
Ehetoric and resign the charge of my flock. Had the 
times not been so severe in the commercial world, the 
sum would have been at least £1,000, and might have 
been much more. What shall I say to God for all the 
kindness herein expressed toward me ? It is truly wonder- 
ful. The enjoyment I have had in my congregation is 
beyond anything which could have been expected. I am 
often amazed to think of it. God, wilt Thou enable me 



"LIFE OF PHILIP HENRY." 



273 



to improve for their good the affection they bear me ? 
Their attendance on public worship is constant, and their 
acquiescence in every plan of usefulness ready and hearty. 
No one gives opposition. Surely no minister was ever 
so accountable as I am for facilities of usefulness. Lord, 
let me not provoke Thee to change my position. I look 
to Thee for light and grace. Oh let me see more real 
saving fruit, and not be deceived by mere outward 
prosperity ! 

June 10th. — I have spent a large portion of this 
evening in reading letters just received from our mis- 
sionaries in India. They have been sorely tried by the 
apostacy of a native, whom they had baptized, after hav- 
ing had what seemed to be the most satisfactory evidence 
of his conversion, but no sooner was he baptized than all 
classes united and endeavoured to turn him aside, and 
alas ! they were too successful. The last year has been 
one of little encouragement to our brethren. They have 
laboured hard, and enjoyed abundant opportunities, and 
have not been hindered by sickness ; yet they have not 
seen the fruits of their toil as was to have been desired 
and expected. The Lord is calling us to consider our 
ways. Why is a blessing withheld ? I fear we have not 
learned to carry on this great work in that spirit of pray- 
erful and believing dependence on the promised Spirit, 
which alone will be acknowledged of the Lord. God, 
do Thou teach us this lesson effectually ! May we know 
what it is to cry out in the true spirit of the Word — 
" Come from the four winds, breath, and breathe upon 
these slain, that they may live." 

June 17th. — I have just finished the " Life of Philip 
Henry," which I have read with great interest. It is one 
of the most useful biographies I have read for a long time. 
How it ought to endear my opportunities to me when I 

T 



274 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



see how they were denied to that man of God ! His 
moderation and patience are greatly to be admired. He 
was a most elevated character. How interesting and profit- 
able to contemplate him in his family ! There was in him a 
beautiful exemplification of James's description of wisdom 
in ch. iii. 17 — " The wisdom that is from above is first 
pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full 
of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without 
hypocrisy." I never saw the value of that description 
so much as this week when expounding it in a dis- 
course on 1 Cor. i. 30 — " Christ made unto us wisdom." 
It has filled me with admiration. I feel a great desire to 
preach a series of sermons on it, devoting a discourse to 
each characteristic of wisdom that is named. I wonder 
I had not been attracted by it before. Lord, do Thou 
grant to me such wisdom. It can come only from Thee. 
May I be enabled to exemplify it in the whole of my 
deportment. That is, indeed, wisdom. May its Divine 
Author be ever glorified ! 

July 12th. — This day the Assembly closed its sittings, 
after having been constantly occupied for more than a 
week. Earnest prayer was offered on its behalf that God 
might preside in our councils, and guide all our de- 
liberations in their spirit, purpose, and issue. Now that 
all is over, I cannot but think God has been evidently in 
the midst of us. Although many exciting subjects were 
under consideration, nothing unbecoming took place. The 
members conducted themselves with great propriety and 
decorum. Nothing unbrotherly can be said to have oc- 
curred in all the debates. There was a good, healthful 
spirit, and a tone indicating a zealous concern for the 
promotion of true religion. 

July 29th. — I have spent this week in holding meet- 
ings for the Deaf and Dumb and Blind Institution through 



THE POTATO BLIGHT. 



275 



County Down. We had meetings in Newry, Glascar, 
Kathfriland, Castlewellan, Seaforcle, Downpatrick, Killy- 
leagh, Ballynahinch, and Saintfield. Considerable interest 
was excited in these places, and I hope some good was 
done. May the Lord's blessing rest on these endeavours, 
and make them successful, so that the means of instruc- 
tion may be afforded to these afflicted classes. How 
different these meetings and objects from others now held 
through the country ! The spirit of rebellion is still ram- 
pant. The Government have at length been compelled 
to take vigorous measures to suppress it. The Habeas 
Corpus Act has been suspended. Numbers have already 
been arrested. The Lord enabled me to preach on the 
subject last Lord's Day with great freedom. There was 
deep attention in the congregation ; may there be profit. 
Alas ! we have sinned, and Cod is visiting us with severity. 
We have had the famine and the pestilence, and now we 
are likely to have the sword. Oh, that the nation might 
learn righteousness ! Lord, bless and sanctify the present 
dispensation for the good of the people. 

August 12th. — Again it has pleased God to smite the 
potato crop. The disease by which it was destroyed two 
years ago has appeared* again extensively. This is a' 
solemn visitation. The potato blight was the beginning 
of all the troubles through which we have since been 
called to pass. The famine and the pestilence were its 
fruits. Is God again about to visit the land in the same 
manner ? It is impossible to contemplate the repetition 
of such scenes without deep emotion. The country seems 
to be on the brink of ruin. How great must be the sin 
for which a righteous God is pleased thus to visit us ! 
But the people have not been humbled. It is with us as 
with ancient Israel — judgment comes upon judgment, but 
our hearts are only hardened. The violation of the 4th 



276 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



Commandment by our railways, and of the 2nd by the 
favour shown to the Papacy by our rulers, are public sins 
crying to the Lord for judgment. They are particularly 
heinous, considering the parties by whom they are com- 
mitted. God, do Thou sanctify these trials. Merci- 
fully bring us to repentance, and spare the fruits of the 
earth for Christ's sake. 

September 2nd. — What a delightful sight I have this 
day witnessed ! The new church of Conlig was opened 
by the Rev. Mr. Macnaughtan, of Paisley. The day was 
beautiful, and many people attended from the surround- 
ing districts. After the public service, some hundred 
persons were entertained at a luncheon, by Mr. John 
Sinclair, in a beautiful field, where we sat down in rows, 
so as to bring vividly to the thoughts of many the 
miracles of Christ when he fed the multitudes with a few 
loaves and fishes. This church was built by Mr. Sinclair, 
almost entirely at his own expense, and cost about £1,300. 
About £100 were collected to-day, and sermons are to be 
preached in town for the same object to-morrow. This 
gentleman is a member of my congregation ; but resides 
occasionally at Conlig, and erected the church for the 
good of the neighbourhood. He told me once he began 
life with the purpose of giving no money to any religious 
object until he secured a fortune. Yet he has been for 
years one of our most liberal members. He praises God 
who gave him " another spirit ;" and nobly he exempli- 
fies it. 

October 14th. — I have just finished a volume entitled 
" Essays on the Christian Ministry," by American Divines. 
It is very clever and well written, and abounds in good 
observations ; yet I have not felt it to be very profitable. 
It is too metaphysical and speculative. One verse in 
Paul's Epistles to Timothy is better than the whole book. 



MEMOIRS OF BOSTON. 



277 



The Bible so comes to the conscience and life — it is so 
thoroughly a matter-of-fact or business book — that it 
comes to the point at once. You understand it, and 
can apply it at once. What a passage, for example, is 
1 Tim. iv. 13 — " Till I come, give attendance to reading, 
to exhortation, to doctrine." Oh, that I were enabled to 
act upon it ! I desire to be thankful for the hints of such 
a book as I have been reading. They are good — very 
good ; yet there is something wanting. There is not the 
unction of practical religion. " Baxter's Eeformed Pastor" 
is a far better book. 

November 11th. — I have been reading the Memoirs of 
Boston, written by himself, and bless God that the book 
fell into my hands. It makes me ashamed when I see 
what that man was and did, and then compare all this 
with myself. Especially his private exercises before God 
were such as I have never thought of. God, do Thou 
seal instruction on my heart hereby. May I learn the 
power of religion as I have never yet felt it. His prayer- 
fulness, his observance of providences, his singleness of 
purpose, and his simplicity are truly admirable. His 
private life is such as we desire to find in the author 
of the " Fourfold State." He was just such a man as I 
would expect God to honour. Oh ! that we had such 
ministers now-a-days. 

December 9th. — On last Lord's Day I baptized my 
grandson, J ames Morgan Finlay, in the congregation. It 
was very affecting to me and deeply impressive to the 
congregation. I had no idea that such an event would 
create so deep an interest among the people. But it 
appears to have been very general and intense. Surely I 
ought to be thankful to see so much kindness and affec- 
tion as have been manifested to me and mine at this time. 
God, I thank Thee for the son-in-law whom Thou hast 



278 



LIFE AND TIMES OF BR. MORGAN. 



given me. Many felt keenly on his account, his deep piety 
and extensive usefulness being well known and highly 
appreciated. God, wilt Thou bless his child. May 
this dedication of him to Thee be accepted. Lord, set 
Thine own seal upon him. May he be Thine wholly and 
for ever. 

January 13th, 184*9. — I have this day heard of the 
death of Dr. James Thomson, of Glasgow University, by 
fever, after cholera. He was a principal person in the 
building of Fisherwick Place Church, having been then 
in the Belfast College. Cholera is slaying its hundreds 
weekly in Glasgow. It has now reached Belfast, and 
about one hundred have been seized. Yet there seems 
no alarm — almost no impression on the public mind. 

February 3rd.— I lately delivered ten discourses on 
the Lord's Supper, founded on 1 Cor. xi. 23-33, and have 
been requested to publish them. My elders, deacons, and 
many of the people have moved in this request, and there 
are many reasons which induce me to think favourably 
of it. There is no book on the subject that seems to me 
altogether suitable. A small, plain, earnest volume is felt 
to be needed. But, if I enter upon it, I would rather 
put it into the form of a treatise than of a sermon. 
Lord, do Thou direct me ! 

February 24th. — I came to Whitehaven on Thursday, 
the 21st inst., and remained to preach on the Lord's Day 
for Mr. Burns, who wrote to me at Liverpool asking me to 
do so. I learn from him that my former visit was blessed to 
several persons, three having dated saving good from that 
time. May the Lord show it was so, and bless me still 
more to-morrow ! The Lord's Supper is to be dispensed. 
This seems very appropriate for me after my engagement 
upon the subject. For near three weeks my mind has 
been constantly upon it, and now God permits me to 



CHALMERS' " DAILY READINGS." 



279 



observe it. May I find the truth of what I have written. 
Oh, that all I have said may be confirmed and sealed to 
my own soul ! God bless me in the ordinance ! 

March 17th. — I have had a very pleasant note from 
England, mentioning the impression made by some of 
my discourses lately delivered there. 1 do trust it has 
pleased God to honour them. Oh, that this may yet be 
fully apparent in the godly lives and blessed deaths of 
some who heard them ! I have been occupied in making 
arrangements for the publication of my treatise on the 
Lord's Supper. God, do Thou direct me in every step 
in this matter. All has hitherto been agreeable. Pre- 
pare me, Lord, for whatever may be before me. I have 
had great instruction and profit in reading Dr. Chalmers' 
" Daily and Sabbath Scripture Headings." Especially I 
have been led to notice how much he suffered and com- 
plained of vain thoughts and painful imaginations. This 
comes seasonably to me at a time when my mind has 
been greatly oppressed with such cares. In spite of all 
my efforts they have obtruded themselves upon me ; yet 
I know it is most unreasonable and sinful. 

April 28th. — Lord, wilt Thou compose this agitated 
mind of mine ? So many things occur to agitate and irri- 
tate, that I feel the temptation to be strong. Yet, Lord, 
is not this what we have reason to expect ? Do Thou 
deliver me. Enable me in patience to possess my soul ; 
and, whatever may befall, God grant that I may be pre- 
pared to meet it. Help me in all things to keep looking 
unto Thee. May I be enabled to cherish a constant sense 
of Thy presence and providence. Oh, that the thought 
were ever upon my mind which those words suggest : — 
" Worketh all things according to the counsel of His will ;" 
" of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things, 
to whom be glory." I will endeavour to keep these words 



280 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DE. MOEGAN. 



and thoughts upon my mind. Holy Spirit, do Thou help 
me ! A time of trial and agitation is before me. Enable 
me to anticipate it in the spirit of lowly dependence on 
Thee. Lord, influence the minds of all with whom I have 
to do in it. Give me grace to look to Thee for guidance. 
And, when all is past, oh ! may I have reason to look 
back and bless the Lord, who, by His providence and 
Spirit, directed me ! 

June 2nd. — Through what scenes I have this week 
been called to pass ! On one day I was sent for by a 
gentleman who was dying, and whom I have been 
attending for months. He said he wished to see me 
before he died, and bade me farewell, saying I had been 
the instrument of saving his soul. While under the 
influence of such encouragement, the next day I was 
called on to go to a family in which a gentleman had 
committed suicide. He, also, was accustomed to hear me 
preach. What a contrast in these two cases ! truly the 
Gospel is " the savour of life unto life or of death unto 
death." God, enable me to preach it under a deep 
sense of my responsibility. We have been cheered by 
encouraging letters from India. God has been pleased 
to give our friends favour with the British there, so that 
they have contributed liberally to support the cause. A 
Bishop and a Judge have both given generously. Nor 
must I overlook the goodness of God in my son Thomas 
passing the Theological Examination Committee with 
entire satisfaction. Lord, bless him and prepare him for 
his work. Oh ! that he may be a faithful minister of the 
Lord Jesus Christ. 

August 11th. — What a scene has been witnessed here 
this day in the visit of her Majesty Queen Victoria ! She 
was received with universal and unbounded enthusiasm. 
We should be thankful for such a manifestation of peace 



VISIT OF QUEEN VICTOEIA. 



281 



and loyalty. It presented a great contrast to the turbu- 
lence and rebellion that prevailed a short time ago. Our 
rulers are, many of them, excellent men, for whom we 
ought to be thankful. The Queen is herself most exem- 
plary in all the relations of life. She frowns on any 
impropriety and cultivates peace. Her appearance and 
manners were very simple. I had the honour to be 
introduced to her by Sir George Grey. Thousands were 
congregated from all parts of the country, yet good 
conduct seemed to prevail. I will endeavour to direct 
the attention of the congregation to-morrow to the words 
of the prophet : "thy King cometh ; " discoursing in the 
morning on the first coming of Christ, and in the after- 
noon on the second. May these services be felt to be 
appropriate, and may they be blessed abundantly in 
Christ. 

October 6th. — I have been unsuccessful in my appli- 
cation for the office of Dean in the Queen's College. The 
appointment was virtually made before I applied. It has 
been conferred on Dr. Cooke. I did not know he was 
a candidate ; otherwise, it is probable I would not have 
offered myself. I feel thankful that this causes me no 
disappointment. God has given me an entire acquiescence 
in His will in this matter. Oh, that all may be overruled 
for good ! I am more concerned again to find during this 
quarter a large removal of our communicants. There are 
about the same number removed as in the preceding quarter 
— not less than fifty — a third of them by death, and the 
other two -thirds by emigration. If this were to continue 
long there would soon be a sensible effect on the congre- 
gation. As yet, there is nothing perceptible. I do not, 
however, expect the attendance of communicants will be 
so large to-morrow as usual. But oh, if the Spirit en- 
large our hearts ! We greatly need to be awakened and 



282 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



revived. Lord, wilt Thou visit us and bless us ! Oh, 
show us Thy salvation ! I have been very sick, but 
God has restored me. May my soul be in health, and 
prosper. 

June 22nd, 1850. — A fearful catastrophe has occurred 
upon the coast of Portpatrick. On Tuesday night the 
Orion steamer struck on a sunken rock and went down, 
and a number of passengers (about 50) were drowned. 
Dr. J ames Burns, of Glasgow, was one of them. This has 
excited great attention and sympathy. I have felt my 
mind drawn to the event so as to have prepared a sermon 
on it for to-morrow. I had my sermon made on another 
topic, but laid it aside, and felt constrained to try and 
improve this providence. Lord, do Thou enable me to 
do so effectually. May the word be profitable to many ; 
may it prove a warning to them ! I thank God for 
willingness to bear any labour that promises to be useful, 
and especially in the preparation of my discourses. These 
are not written out, but carefully studied, and are as well 
prepared as if they were written. I have been using 
diligence also in calling upon the people in the prospect 
of the Lord s Supper. Sometimes I fear there may be too 
great urgency in bringing them to the ordinance. Yet it is 
their duty to come. Is it not my part to tell them so, and 
leave them to their responsibility ? Lord, make my duty 
plain and incline and enable me to do it. I commend 
myself and my labours to Thee in Christ Jesus. 

September 14th. — On Monday I rose greatly refreshed 
and cheered in spirit by the services of the previous 
Sabbath. I went out to a meeting at eleven o'clock, and, 
under temptation, spoke unadvisedly with my lips. The 
consequence was the loss of my enjoyment. For days 
and nights I was haunted with the remembrance of my 
hasty words. I sought forgiveness and found a sense of 



NECESSITY FOR WATCHFULNESS. 



283 



acceptance. Then I felt it necessary to call myself to 
solemn account in this matter, and have made a covenant 
with my tongue to offend thus no more. Lord, do 
Thou keep me. There is necessity for watchfulness 
herein. I have been in danger of being betrayed into 
unkind feelings and harsh expressions towards a brother. 
my God ! suffer me not to offend. Thou hast ever 
been my protector, and it ill becomes me to attempt to 
vindicate myself by injuring another. Lord, forgive me, 
and do Thou keep my soul evermore and in all things, 
through Jesus Christ. 

October 19th. — To-morrow the annual collection is to 
be made on behalf of the Foreign Mission. This is to me 
the day of greatest anxiety in all the year. It always 
stands out in my imagination, so that it is never altogether 
forgotten. Yet I fear much of my concern is only 
earthly — my own credit, and that of my congregation, 
as well as that of a cause in which I have been much 
mixed up from the beginning. At the same time, surely 
my grand reason is the spiritual good to be effected by the 
mission. There ought to be a liberal contribution to- 
morrow. Trade is greatly revived, and there has been 
an abundant harvest, and especially the potato crop has 
been preserved to a great extent. All, however, is in the 
Lord's hand. No amount of wealth in the hands of the 
people will cause them to give unless the Lord incline 
them. I am thankful to feel that He can do as He will, 
and there to leave it. God, give me confidence in 
Thee ! Graciously send prosperity on to-morrow. If it 
please Thee, give a seasonable day ; but, above all, give 
a zeal for the salvation of souls and the glory of Christ. 

October 26th. — Last Lord's Day was one of the most 
blessed ever witnessed in Fisherwick Place. The weather 
was fine beyond description. The morning rose so as to 



284 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



invite all to leave their houses, and repair to the church. 
A very large congregation assembled in the morning, and 
I preached from Mai. iii. 10-12. I had liberty and com- 
fort in the service. In the afternoon the church was very 
full, and I preached from Phil. ii. 5 — " Let this mind be in 
you which ,was also in Christ J esus," &c. — showing what 
the mind of Christ was on the subject of missions. The 
illustration was novel, and had a happy effect. There 
was an anticipation in the minds and countenances of the 
people that we were to have a large collection. And so 
it proved. There were laid on the plates £316. This 
was the largest sum ever laid on them, with the exception 
of that for sending out the missionaries. Thus has God 
graciously encouraged us. The year which we so much 
feared might bring serious trials into the congregation 
has terminated, and there has been no injury done. God 
has granted us far more than we expected. I do here re- 
cord my thanks, and yield myself afresh to Him, that my 
ministry may be devoted more and more to His service 
and glory, through Jesus Christ. 

November 16th. — I have spent the evenings of this 
week in reading the " Life of Dr. Adam Clarke." It 
does not give me so elevated an idea of the man as I 
could desire. He was, no doubt, very clever — an excel- 
lent scholar, and a good man. But there is manifest in 
him a remarkable infirmity, which I feel disposed to re- 
gard as personal vanity. I am amazed at the manner in 
which he sometimes speaks of himself and his per- 
formances. Oh, how inferior to Dr. Chalmers ! The 
life of that man fills the soul with admiration and love. 
I have not felt at all edified by the " Life of Dr. Clarke." 
I do admire many ' excellences in him, and particularly 
his amiability in his own family ; but there is met con- 
tinually the fly of the apothecary's ointment — some little 



A DUTY EECOGNISED. 



285 



element that spoils Mm. It is almost amusing to hear 
him speak of his Commentary, and his biographer speaks 
in the same strain. They applaud it as the best Com- 
mentary ever published. I have read it largely, and 
consider it very meagre and unsatisfactory. It is alto- 
gether inferior to that of Thomas Scott. Yet Dr. Clarke 
is to be accounted a great and good man. 

December 14th. — I have had most painful exercises 
of mind since yesterday evening. A young minister 
called on me from the country, and said he had come to 
beg for the repairs of his church. I have a bad opinion 
of him ; unpleasant rumours having long attached to 
him ; besides, he has an old congregation that can need 
little, and should be able to supply what they need. I, 
therefore, refused to countenance him. He argued with 
me, but I kept my purpose not to aid him in any way. 
I have since felt that my conduct may seem to him un- 
brotherly. Admitting him to be a doubtful man, I should 
have tried to win him, and fear he would take away a bad 
impression. This has distressed me. I should have helped 
him simply on the ground that he is still acknowledged 
as a minister. I have thought much of the matter, and 
have come to the resolution to help every minister who 
comes to me if it be in my power, and let it be little or 
much that can be spared. This seems, for many reasons, 
to be the path of duty. 

December 21st. — The case recorded in the last entry 
continued heavily on my mind. Again and again it 
recurred. At length I resolved, to-day, to make amends, 
and to write to the brother in question. I did so, 
and sent my name as a subscriber, with suggestions 
regarding his work. I trust this will be a lesson to 
me during my life. As I sealed the letter to him I was 
called out to see two gentlemen in the parlour, and found 



286 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



they were begging for a church. I was enabled to meet 
them in a right spirit, and subscribed £1. My mind was 
quite relieved. I felt like one who had got a burden off 
his back, and was confirmed in my purpose to aid every 
poor brother as the Lord enabled me. I went to the 
door to see the two gentlemen out. When closing the 
door I pulled up the lid of the letter-box, and found a 
letter in it. What was my surprise, on opening it, to 
find that it contained a £10 note — the one half to be 
used for my own benefit, and the other for the relief 
of poor brethren ! Surely this was not accidental. Ought 
it not to be regarded as a token from the Lord ? 

February 1st, 1851. — I have been engaged this week 
in the evenings reading " Edwards on the Qualifications 
for the Lord's Supper." With all his ability he has not 
succeeded in making the subject satisfactory to me. I 
quite agree with him, in opposition to Stoddard, that 
none but converted persons can properly or acceptably 
observe the Lord's Supper. But I have much difficulty 
in the matter of the Church determining who should be 
admitted or who not ? He says there must be a visible 
Christianity to justify the Church in admitting. But I 
can only say the longer I live I find it the more difficult 
to judge. Some things are plainly necessary and must 
be required — such as competent knowledge, the confession 
of the great leading doctrines of the Gospel, and a blame- 
less life. But there may be all these, yet no conversion. 
If these then exist in any one who asks admission to the 
Lord's Supper, I would not feel at liberty to refuse him, 
although not satisfied of his conversion. I could do no 
more than plainly tell him for whom the ordinance was 
designed, and then leave it to himself to decide in his 
own case, and to act upon his own responsibility. I was 
glad to leave the controversy, and read Edwards' farewell 



DEATH OF A GRANDCHILD. 



287 



sermon to the people who rejected him. A noble sermon ! 
Lord bless it to me. 

March 22nd. — My dear little grandson is dying. 

my God, have mercy on this beloved child and his 
parents ! He has suffered most severely. A fortnight 
of great affliction has now been assigned to him by 
his Heavenly Father, but his pain seems near its end. 
This night his soul may be in eternity. Blessed God, I 
do trust in the finished work of Christ's redemption on 
his behalf. In the faith of the covenant of grace in Christ 

1 commend him to Thee. Oh, do Thou support his parents. 
They are greatly afflicted. He was a noble specimen of 
childhood : he had great talents, and the most keen obser- 
vation. What a fearful disease is this scarlatina ! But 
it is only one of the many fruits of sin. How humiliating ! 
My own spirit has been greatly exercised. Anguish has 
many times wrung my heart about him— his sufferings 
went to my very soul ; yet his Heavenly Father loves 
him far more — infinitely more — than I do, and He could 
restore him or relieve him in an instant if it pleased Him ; 
yet He sees it right to afflict him and his parents, too. 
righteous Father, we adore Thee and Thy providence ! 
Oh, spare my child if Thou seest it good ; if not, Thy 
will be done. 

May 24th. — I have continued all this week under 
the influence of influenza. It was unpleasant to me to 
go out, and I could not bear cold. My mind has been 
a good deal depressed. It seemed often as if all things 
were going contrary to my views and wishes. Various 
public measures have latterly had a course quite contrary 
to my feelings, and those of the friends with whom I have 
been accustomed to associate. There seems a likelihood 
of this course of things being considerably accelerated and 
strengthened at our next meeting of Assembly. The 



288 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



minority, who have shown great opposition to the Belfast 
ministers, have gained a great victory in the decision of 
the law courts upon the college question and Mrs. Magee's 
bequest. Lord, enable me calmly to view these proceed- 
ings, and act aright under them. 

June 21st. — For more than the first half of this week 
I had great mental satisfaction. My state of health was 
good, and my spirit cheerful, and even joyous, in God 
and His providence. On Thursday I made a call on a 
lady who is a friend and neighbour. She introduced a 
subject on which we had different views, and our conver- 
sation was very unpleasant and unprofitable. It left a 
most unhappy impression on my mind, and I have not 
been able to shake it off yet. The Lord enabled me, 
under very considerable provocation, to possess my soul 
in patience. I used only one word which, in the recol- 
lection of all that passed, had better not have been used ; 
yet, even at the time, and in the utmost calmness, I ex- 
plained it. Oh, how easily the enemy can raise up hurtful 
influences ! Our minds are like the weather-cock, liable 
to be blown about by every gale of passion in ourselves 
and others. I have been made deeply to feel the neces- 
sity of the indwelling of the Spirit. This only can keep 
the soul in a right frame, and engage it to right exercises. 
God, do Thou undertake for me always. Keep me 
watchful and prayerful, and let me in communion with 
Thee enjoy, unbroken, the light of Thy countenance ! 

July 1st. — This day our Assembly meets, and never 
before did it meet under circumstances so trying. There 
is the universal expectation of great clamour and conten- 
tion. Yet there is also an earnest desire with many to 
prevent such evil. The question of danger is the college, 
upon which there have been legal proceedings. Lord, 
let me look to Thee, who only hast all hearts in Thy hand ! 



ERECTION OF BELFAST COLLEGE. 



289 



Thou canst control the hearts of all men. Do Thou 
graciously interpose, and be pleased both to restrain 
from evil and stimulate to good. Alas ! that our Presby- 
terianism should so expose itself to the opprobrium of 
the world by the abuse of its liberty. We suffer great 
harm from our public proceedings. This is manifestly 
the weak point of our system ; yet there is no feature 
of our polity that ought to be made so effectual. Does 
not Satan apprehend this ? and does he not set himself 
to counteract it ? Our public meetings, properly con- 
ducted, might send a healthful influence over the whole 
Church ; but, instead of this, they have too frequently 
influenced only to evil, so far as the public discussions 
were concerned. Lord, undertake Thou for us. Wilt 
Thou teach me what my duty is, and enable me to do it, 
for Christ's sake ? . 

July 12th. — This day the Assembly rose at two 
o'clock, having continued its sittings for nearly an 
entire fortnight. On Monday there was deep humilia- 
tion before God for undue excitement of the preceding 
week. All has gone on since pretty well in point of 
spirit, and most triumphant in respect to measures. 
The decisions were all on the right side. Blessed 
be God, for His over-ruling providence and restraining, 
guiding grace. It is agreed that we proceed forthwith 
to erect our college in Belfast. May it please Thee, 
Lord, to prosper this undertaking ! Many measures 
that were to have been considered were postponed till next 
meeting of Assembly, and in regard to some of them this 
is well. They could not have been favourably considered 
at present. This day, one of our ministers, Mr. Kodgers, 
of Kilrea, died of a sudden attack of inflammation of the 
brain. He came in good health to the Assembly. 

July 26th. — One of my elders has called upon me to 
u 



290 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



say that a few friends in the congregation have raised 
some £30 or £40, which they are about to present to me, 
that I may go and travel for a few weeks. This is a cir- 
cumstance deserving my attention. First of all I record 
my thankfulness to Almighty God who has given me such 
a flock, and has preserved such a spirit among us as is 
now indicated. Let me, at the same time, record the 
deep sense which I entertain of the uniform kindness and 
generosity of the congregation towards me. And now, 
Lord, wilt Thou direct me ? Whither shall I go, and 
how employ myself ? The day after I heard of this I 
was waited on by a minister to propose a premium for 
an essay on the duty of giving to the cause of God in 
proportion to our means. It occurred to me that I should 
write on that subject, and might now go to some distant 
place and occupy myself there in doing so. The more I 
think of the idea it is the more commended to me. I feel 
inclined to go for a fortnight to Harrogate, and so employ 
myself ; but I wait for more light. Lord, do Thou 
make my path plain. 

September 3rd. — This evening I have returned to my 
home after a month's absence, having travelled about 
1,500 miles, visiting Harrogate, York, London, Paris, 
the Menai Straits, Dublin, and Eostrevor. No accident 
occurred nor any calamity ! Nothing has occurred at 
home to render my absence painful. And now, my 
God, wilt Thou enable me to turn my journeying to some 
good account, both for myself and my congregation and 
the public ? May it please Thee to give me health of 
body and mind, and may I be enabled to use what 
information has been obtained for the edification of my 
flock. Well may I say, " goodness and mercy have 
followed me all the days of my life." Accept my praises 
and hear my prayers in Christ Jesus. 



ORDINANCE OF THE SUPPER. 



291 



October 11th. — Last Lord's Day we had a most happy 
communion in the Lord's Supper. The attendance was 
very large, and I trust the Divine presence was, in some 
measure, felt. The subject of our exercises during the 
day was Eph. iii. 14-21. I find it the most edifying way 
in conducting the services of such a day, to confine the 
attention to a passage which furnishes matter for all the 
varied exercises ; passing from verse to verse, or thought 
to thought, and making it the guide and subject of 
meditation. I am more and more persuaded of the vast 
importance of the ordinance of the Supper as a means of 
edification. Taking it in itself, and in connexion with 
the various exercises relating thereto, it is powerful for 
good. More has been accomplished by means of it in my 
own ministry than by any other agency. A large share 
of my attention and time has been given to it, in ser- 
mons preached before and after, bearing upon it, and 
in social meetings with young communicants, or candi- 
dates for the ordinance. 

May 6th, 1852. — In the kind providence of God I 
have a little leisure, and withdraw to engage in reflection. 
There are many things upon my mind which I desire to 
bring before Him. Hear me, God, while I spread them 
before Thee in the name of Jesus, and supplicate Thy 
blessing for His sake. 1. My son John's apprenticeship 
is ended, and I am concerned for his employment and 
settlement. Thou knowest my anxiety, and I submit 
his case to Thee. Do Thou direct so as shall be for 
his real good and Thy glory. 2. My cousin, Dr. Collins, 
is dying. I have tried to be faithful with him. 
God, prepare him for his change. I commend his de- 
parting spirit into Thy hands. Lord Jesus, do Thou ripen 
him for Thy rest. 3. I have completed the series of dis- 
courses on John xvii., and am looking for another subject. 



292 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



Holy Spirit, do Thou lead me to such a course as shall 
be for the edification of the people. I am thinking of the 
life of Christ. May the good Spirit direct and decide me ! 

June 15th. — 2 Timothy, iv. — What a picture of apos- 
tolic life is here ! Faithful warnings, vers. 1-5 ; glorious 
prospects, vers. 6-8 ; sad disappointments, ver. 10 ; plain 
directions, and every-day duties, ver. 13 ; enemies, vers. 
14-16; encouragement, vers. 17, 18 ; friends, vers. 19-21. 
Such is life — such what a minister and every Christian may 
expect. Lord, write this lesson on my heart. Particularly 
I would learn the lesson this day — my birth-day. I am 
fifty -three years old. My experience corresponds with 
what here is written. I have had my trials and triumphs. 
Lights and shadows have mingled in my life. Latterly, 
troubles have more abounded than formerly. 

June 27th, Sabbath evening. — I cannot but here 
record the deep sense which I entertain of the goodness 
and mercy of the Lord toward me this day. The morning 
was very fine, and we anticipated a favourable day for our 
Communion. It was specially desirable, as many were to 
come up from their summer quarters in the country. 
About 9 o'clock it began to rain, and it increased to 
torrents, and continued till the time of worship. I felt as 
if our Communion would be overthrown, and was greatly 
depressed. Yet the people gathered and gathered until 
the church was 'filled. There were nearly 600 communi- 
cants at the tables. I dwelt on Isaiah, lxi. 1-3 all day, 
and was greatly helped. There was a deep impression on 
the people. We were greatly encouraged ; more than if the 
day had been fine. Let me mark this. Surely principle 
was at work. Let me never forget this day. 

Rostrevor, September 21st. — Last night we slept, for 
the first time, in my son's manse. God, how Thou 
hast built up my house ! My daughter and three sons, 



AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE. 



293 



with their mother, are all here. It is a lovely spot. Lord, 
wilt Thou dwell in this house ? Oh, possess the hearts 
of its inmates as Thine own temple ! Say of it, I beseech 
Thee, " This is my rest ; here will I dwell." Is this a 
retreat which Thou hast provided for me here ? Let me 
so accept it, God. Nothing could be more suitable. 
It looks out on the beautiful Bay of Carlingford, and 
stands between the Carlingford and Eostrevor mountains, 
and I can come up by the train in three hours. Still, 
let me remember there is no resting-place on earth. Lord, 
suffer me not to indulge such an idea, but enable me ever 
to say, " My conversation is in heaven." 

September 23rd. — I was greatly gratified this week 
by a call from a gentleman, who is the son of an old 
acquaintance in Carlow. He has been from that place 
the same time with myself — twenty years. He has been 
at sea, and is now captain of one of her Majesty's ships- 
of-war. He was on the Niger expedition, and is very 
intelligent and well informed ; but, best of all, he seems 
truly religious, and has very enlightened and decided 
views on the principal religious topics of the times. He 
brought me a letter of introduction from Sir A. Agnew, 
with whom he has been for a few weeks. At the anni- 
versary of the Church Missionary Society, on Thursday, 
he delivered a very effective speech, showing how missions 
were hindered by the slave trade. Blessed be God, for 
such a sight as this servant of the Lord, brought to 
know Him, though exposed to all the temptations of a 
seafaring life ! When he came home he found several 
members of his father's family pious, who had been care- 
less when he left home. Surely the work of God pro- 
gresses. May there be many such cases ! 

September 27th. — This week I have read the third 
volume of Dr. Chalmers' Life, by his son-in-law. It is 



294 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



not so interesting as the two previous ones. What is the 
reason ? There is not in it the fresh exercise of the souls 
espousals described in the first volume, nor the busy inter- 
course with men detailed in the second. It is occupied 
more with the general questions of the day, and the part 
the Doctor took in them. Many of these were familiar 
to me, and I felt as if I were travelling the old road a 
second time. I am not sure that this period of the vene- 
rated man's life was in itself so engaging or instructive as 
the preceding. Glasgow was an excitement to him, and 
St. Andrews a soporific ; still, it is very important to have 
the opinion of such a man on the great topics that were 
agitated at the time — the Emancipation Bill, the Reform 
Bill, and the National Education for Ireland. It is said 
he changed his opinion before he died on the first. He 
did not understand Popery ; his candid mind could not 
conceive its deceitfulness. Many were mistaken like him, 
and many like him have changed their views on this 
subject. 

Saturday evening, October 16th. — To-morrow I am 
engaged to take part in the opening services of Eglinton 
Street Church. Dr. Edgar, Dr. Cooke, and I are to preach. 
This is to me a very delightful service. We are getting 
back into our old spirit of Church Extension a good deal. 
A new church is about to be attempted on the Falls Eoad. 
This arises out of the Town Mission. We should be very 
thankful for the mission, but never content with it until 
permanent congregations are formed to overtake the whole 
population. The missionaries report over 2,000 families, 
nominally Presbyterian, who are not connected with any 
congregation. There ought to be four churches for these. 
Lord, do Thou in Thy providence lead us to obtain them. 

Saturday evening, November 20th. — To-morrow is 
the day appointed by the Assembly for the annual collec- 



COLLECTION FOE FOREIGN MISSIONS. 295 



tion on behalf of the Foreign Mission. How much is 
suspended on the day and its proceedings ! There has 
been great rain, and there is the appearance of more. So 
far as we can see, such weather is disastrous to our object ; 
yet God has so ordered it that almost every annual col- 
lection was made on a very wet day. I leave all in the 
Lord's hands, with entire confidence in His providence, 
and feel less anxious than I used to be about these circum- 
stantials of the cause. God will do as is right, and there 
I rest. Lord, all hearts are in Thy hand, and all events 
are at Thy disposal. Do Thou direct and influence as 
shall most glorify Thy name. 

Saturday evening, November 27th. — Last Sabbath- 
day it pleased a kind Providence to render it most favour- 
able for the annual collection on behalf of the Foreign 
Mission. "We had a very large congregation at both ser- 
vices, particularly in the afternoon, when the collection 
was made. To our surprise and delight, the sum was 
£100 beyond our usual standard, and amounted to £400. 
The Lord be praised for this generosity. We ascribe it to 
His mercy that He so inclined the hearts of the people. 
A deep impression appears to be made on the public mind 
by the largeness of the collection. 

Saturday, May 19th, 1853. — Two letters have this 
week reached me from America, both full of encourage- 
ment. One is from an old Sabbath-school scholar, giving 
an account of his conversion. The letter is to his mother, 
and he desires her to convey the intelligence to me, and 
to express his thankfulness for the instruction he received 
in the church and school, which he now regards as of 
unspeakable benefit to his soul. The other is from a 
stranger, interested in Sabbath-schools, who states he has 
heard a description of our schools, which induces him to 
seek a full account of them. I have written him a 



296 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



long letter in reply. May the Lord bless it to him and 
to many. God thus gives evidence that our labour is not 
in vain. 

Harrogate, Sabbath night, August 14th. — This morn- 
ing I walked to Ripley, and attended public worship in 
the parish church, and was much gratified to find an evan- 
gelical ministry there. The sermon was feeble, but sound, 
and the spirit good. The congregation was solemn and 
devout. I felt great satisfaction in it. At three o'clock 
I attended in the church of Hio;h Harrogate, and again 
heard a pure Gospel, though feebly preached. How is it 
that the ministers of the English Church do not preach 
better ? There seems a deficiency in this. At half past six 
I went to the Wesleyans, and heard a very good sermon, 
far superior to the other two. 

Saturday evening, August 20th. — Surely the Lord 
has been with me this week. He has given me health, 
and enabled me to prosecute my labours. I have written 
a discourse daily, occupying about six hours with each, 
and do not feel at all exhausted, but trust the Lord will 
enable me to continue next week at the same amount of 
work. If so, it will bring my plan to completion with 
the 51st Psalm. Generally I have been favoured with 
a comfortable ease in composition. Lord, accept my 
labour herein, and may it be blessed to my flock and 
others. All intelligence from home has been pleasant. 
The Lord be magnified ! There has been no interruption. 
Two old friends found me here, neither of whom I had 
seen for thirty years — the Rev. Mr. Yernon, who was 
Rector of Carlow when I was there, and Mr. Wood, of 
Manchester. I would not have known either of them, 
but they both knew me. Great God ! where shall we be 
in thirty years more ? Oh, help me to serve Thee, with 
eternity in my view ! May we at last stand before Thee 



VISIT TO LONDONDERRY. 



297 



accepted in the Beloved. Grant me, Lord, the rest of to- 
morrow's Sabbath. 

Saturday afternoon, September 24th. — The Lord has 
given me a week of uninterrupted pastoral work, for 
which I praise Him. I have seen a large number of the 
people. Oh, that my interviews were more profitable ! 
The great difficulty is to get direct converse on eternal 
things. General conversation may be easily had ; but 
close dealing about the soul is hard to be got at. I have 
had one case of such during the week, in a sick man. 
He is deeply concerned — alarmed for death. He was a 
drinker. I often spoke to him ; but never saw him 
moved before. Lord, do Thou bless him. I have been 
surprised at the clear views and exercises of his wife. I 
did not expect them. 

Derry, October 14th. — I have come here to aid my 
friend, Mr. M'Clure, at his Communion, having left home 
yesterday early, in the rain, but 'the day became beauti- 
ful. So the dark season of the soul is often followed by 
sunshine. As we started, the engine could scarce move 
the train, and it failed to draw us. Another was put to, 
and drove us on speedily ; so, when God's grace does not 
draw us to Him, He sometimes puts a sharp providence 
behind us, and drives us forward. As we rode again on 
the mail coach I saw a dog biting furiously at the revolv- 
ing , wheel, to his great danger. I thought of sinners 
contending against the revolution of Providence — equally 
foolish and dangerous. I travelled forty-seven miles on 
the top of the coach, and was greatly refreshed. It re- 
minded me of my youthful days, when this was common. 
One of the horses was very fretful, and exposed himself 
and his companions to far harder work on that account. 
This was to my mind a picture of life ; we sin to our 
own injury. 



298 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN". 



Saturday afternoon, October 22nd. — We are much 
engaged in raising a Church and Manse Building Fund, 
so as to put an end to private solicitation. It is proposed 
to obtain £25,000, to be paid in five years by instalments. 
My congregation have contributed already about £4,000. 
They have been most generous. This is from less than 
one hundred persons. We hope many others will yet give. 
Last Sabbath I asked those who had not given to put a 
paper in the poor-box saying what they would give, and 
about fifty did so, giving £350. These were chiefly the 
working people. O Lord, we praise Thee for what has been 
done, and will trust Thee for what remains. 

Saturday afternoon, November 5th. — Last night, as 
the anniversary of my ministry in Belfast, and the com- 
pletion of a quarter of a century, the congregation met 
and presented me with a marble bust of myself. It is 
considered to be a fine piece of sculpture. An address 
accompanied it, to which I read a reply. Dr. Cooke and 
Mr. Hamilton attended. The meeting was very large 
and enthusiastic. How thankful we ought to be ! Spared 
so long ! The people so harmonious and kind ! But my 
responsibility is in proportion. What an account we must 
give ! God help me to be faithful. I have prepared a 
discourse for to-morrow, on 1 Cor. ii. 1-5. God, enable 
me in public and private to live and act under the solemn 
anticipation of the time when Thou shalt say — " Give an 
account of thy stewardship." May the recurrence of this 
season be abundantly sanctified, for Christ's sake. 

Saturday evening, February 25th. — After preach- 
ing in Dublin twice on the Sabbath, I went on 
Monday to Delgany, to spend a few days with Mrs. 
Tomb and her son, who reside there, and enjoyed the 
retirement greatly. Nor did the time pass unprofitably. 
On Friday I left, came to Dublin, and thence by the 



VISIT TO DELGANY. 



299 



evening train to Belfast. Blessed be God, I found my 
family well, and nothing particular had occurred in my 
congregation. As I came on the top of the coach from 
Delgany to Dublin, I had the sorrow of being placed on 
the back part of it with five bitter Romanists — one man 
and four women. They took me for a minister of the 
Church of England, and their whole effort was to insult 
me. Such a spectacle of unkindness, of the most awful 
hatred of the truth and of Protestants, I never before wit- 
nessed. I was perfectly silent, and allowed them to talk 
on till they completely tired themselves. The man 
seemed to be intoxicated, and the women appeared at 
length to be ashamed of him. Oh, what a character 
Popery forms ! 

Saturday evening, March 11th. — I have lately seen 
several reviews of my last book, "Rome and the Gospel," 
and they all speak of it with commendation. In every 
one of them its prominent feature is noticed and approved 
— namely, that while it denounces error, it upholds and 
unfolds the truth. It is gratifying to me to find that 
this view occurs to all into whose hands it comes. I 
pray that this thought may take possession of men's 
minds more and more. For, however important it may 
be to demolish error, nothing really good is accomplished 
until the truth gains access to the mind and power over 
it. Lord, wilt Thou acknowledge this attempt, how- 
ever feeble, to do good to the souls of men. The Roman 
apostacy is at present formidable. But the Spirit of 
Christ's mouth will destroy it. 

Saturday evening, March 25th.- — On Tuesday last, 
the 21st inst., Rev. James Glasgow left us for India. He 
leaves his family behind him in consequence of the 
delicate health of his wife. God, wilt Thou bless him 
and them. He is one of the most pure-minded men I 



300 LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



have ever known, of high talents and attainments, greatly 
beloved and esteemed. Lord, I beseech Thee to teach 
him and us what our duty is. May Thy providence 
make the path plain. He cannot be separated from his 
family. If they cannot go to him he must come to 
them. Yet his removal from the mission would be a 
fearful calamity. We are in great darkness in the matter, 
and feel our deep responsibility. Lord, teach us what to 
do, and enable us to do it. 

Saturday, April 8th. — I have just finished the " Life 
of Dr. Pye Smith," written by Mr. Medway. He was 
a great scholar, and a good man. His works have been 
most serviceable to the cause of Christ, especially his 
" Testimony to the Messiah," and the " Priesthood of 
Christ." He was also a most amiable man, and possessed 
many estimable qualities — industry, modesty, gene- 
rosity, and firmness. Yet there were many obliquities. 
His prejudices were very strong. In noticing the death 
of Dr. Chalmers, he merely names the fact, without a 
word of sympathy. I believe it was because Chalmers 
held different views on the subject of Establishments. 
He was quite too keen in his politics, and had too much 
to do with them. His life is a warning in this respect. 

July 4th. — This day the Assembly holds its annual 
meeting in May Street. It is a season of deep concern to 
my mind. The sad scenes that have sometimes been 
acted create painful recollections and unhappy anticipa- 
tions. Lord, my hope is in Thee. On some former 
occasions prayer has been heard and answered, and God 
has graciously restrained and influenced the minds of 
the members. May it be so at this time. I have retired, 
Lord, to ask this blessing of Thee in the name of Jesus. 
May His presence be sought and realised. It is great 
condescension that He has said, " I am with you." This 



VISIT TO HAEEOGATE. 



301 



promise I do now plead in faith. Do, Lord, as Thou 
hast said. What blessed consequences would result were 
this blessing obtained ! The personal profit of each and 
all, the extension of religion, the glory of Grod. But if 
this blessing is withheld, how sad the effects ; dissension, 
wrath, disgrace, injury to our own minds, and to the 
cause and honour of the Lord Jesus. We are encouraged 
by the knowledge that many prayers are offered to the 
Lord on this behalf. An excellent tract has been published 
on the subject. God grant that peace and love and zeal 
and patience may abound in us. 

Harrogate, Sabbath morning, August 31st. — I have 
spent another week in this sweet retirement. God has 
graciously furthered me in the work for which I came, 
having written six discourses during the week : one every 
day. Nor have I found it at all oppressive to do so, but 
have made them somewhat shorter than those of last year. 
I am more and more persuaded it is not well to have long 
discourses. Three quarters of an hour ought to be the 
utmost limit. I have felt this in listening to Mr. Ealeigh, 
in the Independent Chapel. He preached twice last 
Sabbath, and on Wednesday evening. He read his dis- 
courses, and they averaged from thirty-five to forty-five 
minutes. They were exceedingly good. I go to hear 
him to-day again. It is a great privilege. My health is 
better. 

Saturday evening, September 2nd. — After the quiet 
and propriety of Harrogate and Eostrevor, I have found 
my own town most disagreeable. As I went from my 
son's office I saw two unfortunate women fighting 
most savagely. Passing on, I saw a lame man vomiting 
whiskey, and leaning against the public-house. Next, I 
saw a little boy crying bitterly, who had been struck 
with a stone by another boy. The state of society in 



302 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN 



Belfast is awful ! Were I to have my choice of a residence, 
I would leave it. The appearance of some of the girls on 
the streets is disgusting, after the modest deportment of 
women in the country. Lord, what shall the end of these 
things be ? Oh, teach me my duty in the midst of them ! 
Thou hast placed me here, and I desire only to know 
what is my duty. Lord, help me to do it ! 

December 16th. — Having read over the Scriptures, 
and written a remark on each chapter, it is my purpose 
to read Kitto's Daily Eeadings, one for each day. May 
the Lord bless this exercise to me. I could not now rest 
without a daily meditation on a portion of God's Word. 

This day I have published a new volume, under the 
title of " The Penitent," consisting of sixteen discourses 
on the 51st Psalm. Oh, that it may please G-od to bless 
this effort for the edification of His Church and the glory 
of His name ! 

March 24-th, 1855. — I have this day finished the first 
volume of Kitto's Bible Illustrations. It has been most 
instructive and profitable to me. Its simplicity, joined 
with real literature and pure eloquence, have afforded me 
daily satisfaction. I rejoice to find him purely evan- 
gelical, and have no doubt he was the subject of an en- 
larged Christian experience. Last Sabbath morning I 
was singularly edified and comforted by the reading for 
that day. It was on the life of Joseph, particularly the 
name of his second son, and the reason of it, Ephraim. 
It signifies " fruitfulness," and was given " because the 
Lord had made him fruitful in the land of his affliction." 
The remark of Kitto was, that it is the way of G-od to 
make His people fruitful in the land of their affliction. I 
was much afflicted at the time, and felt great strength 
and encouragement. What a contrast between the good 
sense of Kitto and the affected nonsense of Carlyle ! My 



DEATH OF ME. CHARLES THOMSON. 303 



heart is greatly drawn out to that humble man. May 
we meet in heaven, where he is ! 

Harrogate, August 19th. — The Lord has enabled me 
to complete the work which I prescribed to myself in 
coming here, having finished the third part of the 
Discourses on the Spirit. Another is now before me — a 
funeral discourse on the death of my beloved friend, Mr. 
Charles Thomson. He died on Monday last, the 13th 
instant. He was the best friend the congregation of 
Fisherwick Place ever had, and may be regarded as its 
founder. He suffered long, and has died most honoured. 
I have fixed on Acts, xi. 24, as the text — " He was a 
good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, and 
much people was added unto the Lord." 

October 13th. — -This day, my sermon on the death of 
my honoured friend, Charles Thomson, has been published. 
May the Lord bless it to his friends and all who shall 
read it. I have put, in an appendix, the official docu- 
ments connected with the origin of the congregation, as 
they occupy a fitting place in Charles Thomson's history. 

December 1st. — Mr. Kobert Young, who has been 
appointed to go to India and take charge of the press at 
Surat, is now with me on a visit. May the Lord honour 
and own him in it. It is of extreme importance to have 
a press in vigorous operation at present in India. In the 
Bombay Presidency the Government are about to endow 
colleges in the principal towns at an annual cost of 
£140,000. This will be the means of raising up a reading 
population. 

January 5th, 1856. — Blessed be God, who has spared 
me to conclude another quarter of my journal. I have 
read it over, and find in it much to mark that period of 
my life. Had it not been for the journal, this would, to 
a large extent, have passed away in oblivion. Oh, what 



304 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



must my whole life be when it is published to me afresh 
at the judgment ! How many things will then be revived 
that have passed away from me as though they had never 
been ! I can anticipate such a disclosure in peace only 
by remembering the truth, that "the blood of Jesus Christ, 
God's Son, cleanseth us from all sin." That doctrine alone 
can give me hope in the great day. 

March 7 th. — This day we have had a proposal of 
£1,000 from Mr. Thomas Sinclair and the widow of his 
brother, for the purpose of beginning a fund to build a 
church for seamen. We have requested a meeting of the 
committee for Monday evening, when the proposal will 
be laid before them, and of course gratefully accepted. 
The church will probably be called " Sinclair's Church for 
Seamen," and is intended to be a monument to the 
memory of John Sinclair. This is the first example of 
such a monument among us. I have long been trying to 
make Christian people understand the right way of doing 
good — that it is by expending their money on churches ; 
by which means it is preserved, and a good return is 
secured in the contributions of the congregations as- 
sembling in them. I thank the Lord for this commence- 
ment, and trust it is only a commencement, and that the 
example will yet be followed by many. This is the way 
to keep pace with the population, and provide the people 
with means of religious instruction. We purpose to ex- 
pend £2,000 on the contemplated church. May the 
Lord smile on the undertaking, and crown it with His 
effectual blessing. 

March 29 th. — This day, it is hoped, the treaty of peace 
is to be signed at Paris. The Lord grant it may be so. 
There are some features in its history to be specially 
noticed as full of hope and encouragement. The nations 
are obviously inimical to war. It was entered into only 



" MINISTERIAL SUPPORT. " 



305 



as a dread necessity. Kings have learned that commerce 
is better than war. It is a happy sign of the times to 
hear the Emperors of France and Kussia speaking in this 
manner. The commerce of the world promises to extin- 
guish war. The two cannot prosper together. Governors 
of nations now discover that their strength lies in culti- 
vating their own internal resources. The efforts of rulers 
will be more directed than ever before to education and 
reform, and all that can advance internal prosperity. 
There is reason to hope the experience of the late war 
will deeply impress these lessons. God grant it may 
prove to be so. I cannot help indulging the earnest 
expectation of much good being brought out of the evils 
that have been permitted to afflict the nations for the last 
two years. God, do Thou so order it for Thy glory 
and the good of men. 

April 26th. — I feel deeply concerned about an address 
which I am desirous to deliver at the Synod of Belfast 
next month, on the subject of ministerial support, feeling 
it to be my duty to express views which may be mis- 
apprehended and give offence. There is a disinclination 
in many of our people to hear anything on this subject. 
Particularly I wish to state that the whole amount of 
stipend contributed in any congregation ought to be paid 
to the minister. It is his earning. If he do not succeed 
in raising a good stipend he will not be paid it. If he do 
raise it by his labours surely he ought to have it. Yet 
this is not the practice. In my own congregation little 
more than the half of the stipend has been paid to the 
minister. This is the point on which I fear to be mis- 
apprehended. It may be thought I am arguing for an in- 
creased stipend to myself. The Lord knows this is not so. 
My perplexity is to know my duty in such circumstances. 
Shall I keep back what ought to be said, lest it should be 
x 



306 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



misunderstood ? Lord, guide me. I wish to be faithful, 
but would not give offence, lest the ministry should be 
blamed. 

Portrush, August 23rd. — There is one lesson very 
clearly taught in Macaulay's History of England, which 
I have now read through, with the exception of the last 
chapter — that there can be no limit to the good or the 
evil which one man may be the means of accomplishing. 
What evil arose from the reign of James ! What good 
from that of William ! The former stood as a hindrance 
to everything that might profit or elevate the people ; 
the latter developed the energies of a great nation, and 
directed them into channels of unspeakable usefulness. It 
was in the reign of William the foundation was obviously 
laid of all the greatness and goodness of England ; not 
that he personally suggested or executed the plans that 
have effected so much in after generations, but he awoke 
the energy of the country. He did not stand in the way 
of any good measure, but helped forward whatever pro- 
mised to be beneficial ; he restrained evil with a strong 
hand, and often did so in the most effectual manner 
by simply, in his own taciturn way, discountenancing it. 
He was truly a great man, raised up by Providence, and 
exactly fitted for the work to be done. 

September 13th. — -This week has been spent almost 
entirely in calling upon the members of the congregation. 
One day was occupied in composing a sermon, and all 
the rest were given to visitation. I have extreme pleasure 
in going from house to house among the people. It pro- 
motes acquaintance, and tends greatly to strengthen and 
advance the ministry of the Word. It affords a fine op- 
portunity of offering remarks that are calculated to be 
profitable. But it needs much carefulness, and the main- 
tainance of a holy and spiritual frame of mind. All 



TOKENS OF ENCOURAGEMENT. 



307 



lightness and trifling conversation are carefully to be 
avoided. Thus conducted, I believe the practice is most 
conducive to good, and is so, even where there are no 
direct religious exercises. Familiarity and friendliness 
are maintained. And these are necessary to gain the 
confidence and affection of the people. Lord, enable me 
so to go in and out among them as not to exercise any 
unfavourable influence, but, on the contrary, commeud 
true godliness. My opportunities are great. Oh, that 
I felt my responsibility aright ! Lord, help me, for 
Christ's sake. 

December 6th. — My elders and deacons have agreed 
at a united meeting, that my stipend should be raised 
from £300 to £500 a-year. Such a result I never con- 
templated when engaged in the advocacy of ministerial 
support, and am not conscious that the idea of my own 
pecuniary interest at all influenced my mind. I rejoice in 
this result, not so much on my own account, valuable as 
it is, as on account of the cause. It will give a stimulus 
to it, and many congregations will be moved to increase 
the salary of their ministers. There is great need for this. 
So far as I am concerned personally, I do not expect to 
profit much, because my ministry cannot now be very 
long continued as it is maintained at present. If spared 
a few years I will need help, and the additional stipend 
will be needed for a colleague. Still, it is likely I may 
be reproached by some, as having had a view to my own 
interests. How blessed to know G-od is my judge and 
not man 1 O Lord, wilt Thou undertake this cause, both 
as it respects me personally, and the whole church. Do 
Thou bring it to a successful issue. 

March 28th, 1857. — Last Lord's Day I was encouraged 
by a young woman waiting after worship and desiring to 
converse with me. She opened her mind, and told me 



308 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



how she had been exercised for some time past. She said 
the discourses on 1st John, which had recently been con- 
cluded, had impressed her deeply. She gave good evi- 
dence of a saving work in her soul. I promised to call 
upon her for farther conversation, and did so since, and 
was confirmed in my hopes. I learned that a younger 
sister is also seriously exercised. The two are helping 
and encouraging one "another. Blessed be God for these 

o CD 

tokens of His presence and power among us. These are 
members of a family in which I have seen the Lord's work 
in some other members. Their mother died in peace and 
hope ; their sister was long ill, and died in faith. God is 
now visiting those for whom the departed ones often and 
earnestly prayed. I thank Thee, Lord, for the cases 
here recorded. Oh, give us many more who shall be 
trophies of Divine grace ! 

July 25th. — I am engaged at present visiting a 
woman who is dying. She has been long in the con- 
gregation and always manifested a good disposition 
towards the truth, but she had a large young family, and 
her husband was a seafaring man, so that she was little at 
public worship. The Lord seems to have sent her long 
and severe illness as a special means of grace. She has 
been much exercised and has obtained great peace, though 
occasionally this is disturbed. But I have uniformly seen 
it re-established by reading a portion of the Word. To- 
day she complained that her peace was disturbed and this 
distressed her. I read the 121st Psalm without a remark, 
and it had a blessed effect. I have seen similar examples 
before. The Word appears to dissipate any doubt and 
difficulty. She literally lives by it, and grasps at the 
words and thoughts as they are put before her. 

August 22nd. — The news continues to be of a very 
serious kind from India. There appears to be a wide and 



THE INDIAN MUTINY. 



309 



deep conspiracy of the Mussulman population to cast off 
the power of England. They have drawn the Brahmins 
largely into it in the Presidency of Bengal. This is said 
by our missionaries, from whom I have heard to-day, to 
be a just retribution for the encouragement of caste in 
the Bengal army. The same spirit does not prevail in 
the Madras or Bombay Presidency. There caste is 
ignored in the army. The great law of God is admitted, 
that " He hath made of one blood all nations of men to 
dwell on the face of the earth." Various castes are 
received and treated alike. But in the Bengal army 
almost all are either Mussulmans or Brahmins. The latter 
are allowed to entertain their presumptuous belief that 
they are gods on the earth whom other castes are made 
to serve. Our Government winked at this enormity, and 
thus they are rewarded. Many of the godly have suffered. 
Missionaries and others have been murdered whenever 
there was the power. Lord, do Thou interpose and 
send deliverance. Protect Thy servants and restore 
peace. And do Thou overrule all this calamity for the 
wider spread and more firm establishment of the Gospel 
in the East. 

September 26th. — Sad intelligence from India ! The 
mutiny of the Bengal troops continues. We had a prayer 
meeting on last Monday evening, largely attended. I read 
a letter from Dr. Glasgow on the subject, and it was 
published in the next morning's Banner. Blessed be 
God, the Bombay and Madras armies continue faithful 
for so far, with a small exception in the former. I trust, 
also, the European troops in Bengal will be enabled to 
hold their ground until they are strengthened by rein- 
forcements. Oh, that God may over-rule these sad dis- 
asters for good ! India seemed likely to be given to 
Christ, and consequently Satan has come with great 



310 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



wrath, knowing he has only a short time. Surely we 
may hope the authorities will now see the necessity of no 
more encouraging idolatry, and be persuaded the only 
hope for India is in its Christianity. It is matter of great 
thankfulness that as yet not a Christian has been impli- 
cated in the mutiny. On the contrary, it has appeared 
on]y where Christian missionaries had never an oppor- 
tunity of preaching Christ. May their way be opened 
now more fully and clearly than ever before. 

October 7th. — This is a solemn day. It is set apart 
for humiliation and prayer on behalf of India. It is a 
national fast. I have spent the morning in exercises suited 
to it, having read over the Book of Esther, a ad found it 
specially seasonable. It shows how enmity must be ex- 
pected against the cause of God, and how He can restrain 
and over-rule it. Oh, that there may be a similar issue in 
India ! Lord, have mercy on the sufferers there. Do 
Thou sustain and comfort them. Especially wilt Thou 
be with Thy servants, the missionaries of the Cross, and 
their families ; strengthen their hands and encourage their 
hearts. Be pleased to bless our armies : may they be faith- 
ful and successful. Bless our rulers : may they be wise 
to know their duty in this day of Thy righteous visitation. 

Cork, October 2Jpth. — I have spent a week very plea- 
santly and quietly in this place. On the Sabbath I 
preached to two large and attentive congregations. On 
Thursday evening again I preached to a small but interest- 
ing meeting. There had been no announcement, so that 
there was no more expected than a prayer-meeting ; yet 
it was encouraging. Two days of the week were occupied 
in writing discourses. I intend them, God willing, for 
the third Sabbath of November, when I preach at home 
for the Foreign Mission. I have been calling on some of 
the people, especially any that are sick. I have heard 



EADIE ON THE EPHESIANS. 



311 



the Bishop of Cork (Dr. Fitzgerald) lecture and preach. 
He seems to be an able, yet simple and sincere man. The 
accounts of Mr. Magill have been very agreeable. He 
appears to have been well received. May the Lord bless 
his visit ! 

January 16th, 1858. — This day I have been to the 
funeral of my old and excellent friend, Mrs. Mulholland, 
of Mount Collyer. She was ninety-three years old, and 
was in the congregation when I came here, nearly thirty 
years ago. Since that time she has been my constant 
friend. She died a true-hearted believer in the Lord 
Jesus. I had many and blessed interviews with her. She 
was a noble woman, highly endowed — one of Nature's 
nobility. After severe pain, I asked her one day how she 
was exercised, and her reply was — " If the Lord would 
say, Come up hither, I would be thankful ; but if He 
says, Abide a little longer, I submit." . On Saturday I had 
a conversation with her, and asked what had been her 
state of mind. She replied — " I was under some dark- 
ness, but I looked to Jesus, and was lightened." I had 
a most happy meeting and pleasant exercises to-day with 
all the family — rather four families — after the funeral. 
We read the Scriptures, and prayed, and I took leave of 
my kind old friends. I feel greatly attached to them all. 
But the last link is now broken. The name will dis- 
appear from the congregation. 

March 13th. — I have been reading with inexpressible 
delight Dr. Eadie's book on the Epistle to the Ephesians. 
I read it and Dr. Alexander's, of America, together, but 
they bear no comparison as to excellence and power. Dr. 
Alexander's is good and sound and critical, but Dr. 
Eadie's is all this and far more. I began to read it with 
some distrust, having been much disappointed by the 
Commentaries of Dr. Brown on 1st Peter and other por- 



312 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



tions of the New Testament. Dr. Brown does great vio- 
lence to the Scriptures by altering the arrangements of the 
Spirit. He takes a paragraph, assigns a subject to it, 
divides it according to his own plan, and so makes all the 
parts to bear on the illustration of his views. A commen- 
tator has no right to do so, notwithstanding the example 
of Matthew Henry. Besides, Dr. Brown seems fond of 
peculiar views, and I question his soundness in some of 
these. In this last respect, he sympathises too much 
with Barnes. As Dr. Eadie is Dr. Brown's colleague, I 
somehow got the idea that their writings would be similar, 
and therefore began to read with distrust. But soon I 
saw reason to give him my confidence. He follows the 
words of the Spirit, giving them their exact meaning 
and full force. He points out their connexion with great 
perspicuity. His illustrations are at once beautiful and 
just. I have been again and again constrained to bless 
God for such a writer and such a book. It is what all 
our ministers and students should have and study. 

20th March. — We have recently had a visit from a 
young minister, who is exciting great attention, Mr. 
Guinness. He has preached every day for a week, some- 
times twice or thrice in a day. On all occasions the pkce 
is filled and many are unable to find room. He is very 
young, about 22, and very engaging ; his appearance is 
extremely favourable ; his voice is the very best and most 
agreeable ; his doctrines are sound, and his heart seems 
to be filled with love for Christ and souls. His visit is 
calculated to be useful, and I trust the Divine blessing 
may rest upon it. I heard him preach but once, and 
am told the discourse was the least effective delivered by 
him. It was certainly very defective. Yet with many it 
was most popular. He quite misunderstood and conse- 
quently misinterpreted the text. The doctrines he 



VISIT OF ME. GUINNESS. 



313 



preached from it were all sound, but not those taught 
in it. I observe he has committed the same error in 
another discourse (a printed one) which I have read. 
This proceeds from a defective education. It would be 
of extreme importance to have him for a time under good 
training. If he was under such a person as Dr. Eadie for 
a year or two, what an efficient minister he might be. 
Yet the Lord may largely acknowledge his simple, sincere, 
and earnest appeals to sinners. I trust it shall prove 
to be so. No one was ever so popular here before, yet I 
would never compare him with several of our own 
ministers in Belfast. Even here, however, God's ways 
are not our ways. May the Lord bless him and his 
work ! 

May 22nd. — A sad calamity has come upon Belfast 
in a decision, this week, by a Committee of the House of 
Commons on a Bill to settle a dispute that has long pre- 
vailed between the Corporation and the people, or rather 
a portion of the people. Judgment had been given against 
the Council in the law courts, and a Bill of Indemnity 
was sought to terminate the contest, the Council being 
willing to pay any sum laid upon them. Their fault was, 
having exceeded their legal authority in borrowing money 
for public purposes. No fraud is charged on them, but 
they were led wrong by their law-adviser. Unspeakable 
evil has been done by these proceedings. Party spirit 
has been excited to the utmost pitch of violence. A 
number of admirable citizens are exposed to ruin. They 
are held responsible for some £150,000, or thereabouts. 
The end none can foresee. A large number of them are 
members of my congregation. It was taken for granted the 
matter would now be settled, but it is more unsettled than 
ever. Years of evil and injury have already been endured, 
and many more seem now before us. Alas ! how the evil 



314 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



passions of men prevail. One would think that such a 
dispute might be settled among reasonable men ; but the 
parties here are deaf to reason and wisdom. Lord, Thou 
hast all hearts in Thine hand ; do Thou interpose and give 
counsels of peace. Much moral evil results from such 
conflicts ; the worst passions are roused ; sin reigns. Vain 
is the help of man. God, do Thou interfere in this 
extremity, and put an end to strife and its deplorable 
evils. 

August 28th. — We have had a visit from Mr. 
Spurgeon, of London. He preached four times, and I 
heard him thrice, and must say I was not disappointed, 
although the mass of the people were so. His sermons 
were sound and able, and interspersed with good and 
appropriate anecdotes. There was sometimes more humour 
or drollery in them than suited the solemnity of the pulpit. 
Still, one charm of his services lay in these. Had they 
not been used, I question if his popularity would have been 
so great, or, indeed, have existed at all. His elocution is 
very good, and his voice most admirable. When he 
preached, as he did once, in the Botanic Gardens, he was 
well heard by 7,000 persons — the number said to have 
been present. I trust good results may be gathered 
from his ministry. He was well received, and deserved 
to be so, for his plain, honest, and good preaching and 
deportment. I much question, however, if his influence 
was so good as that of Mr. Guinness, who preceded him 
by a few months. There was a great contrast between 
them. Mr. Spurgeon was gay, and lively, and humorous ; 
but Mr. Guinness was solemn, and earnest, and very re- 
served. Mr. Spurgeon is, by far, the abler man. Yet 
were there a poll to-morrow in Belfast for the two, it 
would be in favour of Mr. Guinness. Deep seriousness 
and earnestness go far — very far. I have no doubt they 



DEATH OF D. K. CLARKE, ESQ. 315 

were very prominent in our blessed Lord. I have 
traced happy and gracious results to the ministry of Mr. 
Guinness. 

December 4th. — I have been this day to Kilmore, at 
the funeral of my old friend, D. K. Clarke. We entered 
college together at Glasgow, in November, 1814. I did 
not see him after that session until I met him as a member 
of my congregation in Belfast, in 1828. Since that time 
I have had constant intercourse with him. He was with 
me at our first meeting to establish a Sabbath-school. He 
became the first superintendent, and continued so until 
he began to go about on the public duties of the Church. 
He lived for the Home Mission. There was in him great 
simplicity of character, and complete self-sacrifice. The 
Scripture most characteristic of him is the prophecy of 
the psalmist applied to Christ — " The zeal of Thine house 
hath eaten me up." In this he was conformed to his 
blessed Master. His zeal consumed his time, his strength, 
his talents, his property, his mind itself. He was literally 
worn out in his Master's service. He gave all his property 
to it, and he died penniless, though at one time he had 
considerable means. He did much good, and has left an 
honoured name behind him. The Assembly voted him 
his whole salary as long as he lived when he broke down 
in its service. Lord, do Thou raise up many who shall 
follow him, as he followed Christ ; and may all he did be 
seed watered by the Spirit. 

April 30th, 1859.- — A most unusual movement has 
been going on among several congregations of the As- 
sembly in County Antrim. Those of Connor, Ahoghill, 
and Randalstown are very marked. A deep religious 
concern has been produced in the minds of hundreds of 
people. At Ahoghill, it is said, two hundred persons 
give evidence of a saving conversion. Old and young, 



316 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



male and female, some of them Eoman Catholics, have 
been affected alike. There is more excitement than ap- 
pears to be in the American Eevivals. A number have 
shown great bodily agitation. Some have fallen down in 
the congregation, and some in the fields, and some in 
their own houses, under the most agonising convictions 
of sin. They have stated that they felt as if the earth 
was about to open and swallow them up for their sins. 
In such instances it cannot be wondered at if there have 
been strong bodily excitements. Among the converts 
there are a number of the most noted profligates — persons 
who were unaccustomed to attend any place of worship, 
or read the Word of God. There are examples of young 
persons, nine and ten years old, going about and pray- 
ing in the families that desire it. Lord, do Thou direct 
this work. It bears every mark of coming from the 
Divine Spirit. It resembles the work under Edwards, at 
Northampton, more than any other revival of which I 
have read. May it continue, and increase, and be brought 
to a blessed issue. 

June 4th. — A most extraordinary state of things has 
been produced in the midst of us. There are manifest 
tokens that the Spirit of God has been poured out. Very 
generally over the County of Antrim this seems to be 
more or less true, and it appears to be beginning in this 
town. Last Sabbath, some of the young men who have 
had a prominent part in the work at Connor addressed 
several meetings. They spoke truly and earnestly, but 
as illiterate men might be expected to speak. Power 
attended their words. Many have been convinced of sin, 
and I hope converted to G-od. The only thing to cause 
any uneasiness, as not being well understood, is the 
bodily effect in some instances. Many have fallen down 
in a swoon. But the effects appear to have been good. 



DEATH OF REV. THOMAS MILLER. 317 



Sometimes these attacks have come on under the preach- 
ing of the Word, and at other times without that. Seve- 
ral have occurred in the mills. A woman came to me on 
Monday in great distress. She fell on her knees, and 
prayed aloud. I conversed and prayed with her, and she 
found peace in believing. " It's certain," she said, " I 
never knew religion before. I never knew what the new 
birth is, and that any one who is the subject of it must 
have it in his own heart." Lord, teach me my duty at 
present. Bless this movement. Oh, that it may issue 
in the salvation of many souls ! 

Harrogate, 5th August. — This day I have come once 
more to this delightful place, and am to occupy the pulpit 
of the Independent Chapel two Sabbaths. I do so under 
very solemn circumstances. The news of the revivals in 
Belfast reached this place, and there is an expectation 
that I shall bring the subject forward here. Some of my 
own flock are dwelling here for the sake of their health, 
and they are deeply concerned that my visit may be 
profitable. Oh, that God may enable me to know and do 
my duty. I am truly desirous to be guided by Him in 
the discourses to be delivered, and in all the measures 
which may be adopted for the purposes of my ministry 
in this place. Lord, say of this and of that man, he 
was born here. 

November 26th. — Let me record my gratitude to 
Almighty God for the success of our collection on last 
Lord's Day for the Foreign Mission. It amounted to 
£408. The day was beautiful, and all things conspired 
to favour it. This was the largest sum ever obtained but 
once — at the first effort made to start the mission. It 
was then expected we should never see anything approach- 
ing to it again — the collection was about £450. What 
reason we have to praise the Lord for His continued favour 



318 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR MORGAN". 



toward us ever since, in inclining and enabling us to 
continue to support His cause. I am this day specially 
reminded of my obligation, being about to go to Cooks - 
town to preach the funeral sermon of my old friend and 
teacher, the Eev. Thomas Miller, from whom, under Cod, 
1 was first influenced to feel a deep interest in missions. 
He was eminently useful in awakening a missionary spirit 
in the country where he resided. He retained his zeal to 
the last, and died a few days ago (the 16th inst.) in his 
80th year. 

December 1 7th. — We have been engaged a good part of 
this day in looking after a site for a church in the neigh- 
bourhood of Pinkerton's Eow. This has arisen out of a 
proposal of Mr. Thomas Sinclair to give £500 for a church 
there. His son Thomas has been holding meetings, and 
has gathered a number of poor people into them, and his 
father desires to encourage him in this good work. It is 
blessed to see such a son and father. Cod has smiled on 
the undertaking. Other friends have offered help, and 
there is now secured above £1,000. Mr. A. J. Macrory 
was spoken to about a site, and he invited a few of us to 
breakfast with him. After breakfast, we went out and 
examined the ground. In the most generous manner he 
offered us a site in part of his own lawn. It is a 
most suitable one. He offers it gratuitously. Nor is this 
the only example of such a spirit. Another of my elders, 
Mr. Thomas M'Clure, has offered a site for a church on 
his property at Sydenham, with £1,000 toward the build- 
ing. I bless God for putting these thoughts into the hearts 
of my friends. 

December 24th. — Yesterday I went to visit a member 
of the congregation who is sick — S. B. — who lives be- 
tween two and three miles out of town, and has long 
sustained the character of a Christian man. I saw him 



DEATH OF REV. DAVID HAMILTON. 



319 



in excessive agony ; fits of pain came occasionally upon 
him. As I sat by him I gathered from him these sayings, 
uttered with some interruptions — " The bed is the test ; 
of what's the world's value ; of what's the soul's value ; 
of the preciousness of Christ." He is a working man, 
connected with my son-in-law's factory, and uneducated 
beyond the elements of reading, writing, &c. But 
Christianity has made him what a man should be. Two 
of his sons were present, as well as his wife and a little 
daughter. I said to one of them — " Give me a Bible, 
and I will read a passage with your father." As he 
handed it to me, the other said affectionately — " Father, 
would you like us to sing a psalm with you ?" He said, 
"Yes, the 23rd." So I read it, and the boys raised the 
tune, and all united in the sacred song. It was a delight- 
ful sight. Oh, what the Gospel makes a family to be 
that is brought under its power ! Only let the influence 
that rests on this family go over the families of the 
people, and what a blessed change society would undergo. 
Lord, bless my friend, and raise him to health again, and 
may his sickness be blessed to him and his house. 

January 14-th, t 1860. — Yesterday morning, at six 
o'clock, my beloved brother and friend, the Bev. David 
Hamilton, died of fever. I saw him a short time before his 
death, and his mind was clear and happy. His death has 
made a profound impression on the public mind. I never 
saw anything equal to it before. There is one universal 
lamentation. Of the man himself there are not two 
opinions. All think of him as a truly godly, consistent, 
and upright man. He maintained such a ministry as is 
the most prized by the community as well as by the 
church. He attended to nothing besides it. All his time 
and talents and energy were given to it. He was " an 
able minister of the New Testament." Besides the im- 



320 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



mediate work of his congregation, he gave himself to the 
Jewish Mission, of which he was secretary from the 
beginning. But his great work was the Church and 
Manse Fund. He did the business of it well and success- 
fully. The triumph of that cause was mainly indebted to 
him, under the Divine blessing. May G-od bless his 
removal to us all, especially to his brethren in the 
ministry. Lord, be gracious to his family and his flock, 
and the whole church, and the community of which he 
was an honoured member. 

February 18th. — 1 have had a remarkable answer to 
prayer this week. I was concerned to be led to some 
suitable texts for the Sabbath, at present having no special 
course of sermons. My mind was very dark, and saw no 
way of determining what subjects to choose. I sought 
Divine direction. Some time after, my mind turned to 
a special portion of Scripture as furnishing matter for a 
few discourses that might be profitable. In thinking on 
it, I remembered having seen a comment on this passage, 
and felt very desirous to find it. I resolved to go round 
the book-shops and search. My determination to begin 
to preach on the passage in question hinged very much 
on my finding this comment. Well, a member of the 
congregation asked me to breakfast. I went, and he put 
a Bible into my hand for family worship. Then he handed 
me an old psalm-book with explanations. I looked into 
it, and turned to the passage on which my mind was 
running (the 130th Psalm), and found it to be the very 
book I was looking for. Surely God was here. I felt 
that He had chosen the word for me, and so have prepared 
the first sermon. 

March 3rd. — I have procured a copy of Mr. Spur- 
geon's Sermons for the library, in five volumes, and re- 
solved to read one every morning after dressing. Eising 



scott's "life of napoleon." 



321 



at six o'clock, I am ready to begin the sermon at seven, 
and it takes me more than half an hour to read it. I 
have gone over about twenty, and find the exercise pro- 
fitable. Although the sermons are hastily sent forth, 
they are still very valuable, plain, sound, and practical, 
and well fitted to be useful. There is a tone of faithful- 
ness in them that makes them powerful. 

May 12th. — 1 have read through Sir Walter Scott's 
" Life of Napoleon," and have derived much profit from 
it. It is well written, and filled with the most valuable 
information. What a picture it presents of human life ! 
It gives an awful view of the human heart. Its great 
hero appears to have been wholly devoid of any principle 
of righteousness. He does not appear to have had the 
slightest idea of any moral obligation. He might respect 
certain conventional customs of society^ but as for God 
or His law he seems to have felt and acted as if neither 
existed. Only one trait of amiability is manifest in him — ■ 
his conjugal deportment. His conduct to Maria Louisa 
was kind. Even this, perhaps, might be resolved into his 
absorbing selfishness. Certainly, when anything stood in 
the way of its gratification the obstacle was speedily re- 
moved. He acted as if the world and all the people in 
it were made for him. To the last his mind seemed to 
be dark, his heart hardened, and his life ungodly. His 
biographer has raised a beacon that ought to hold forth a 
warning to all men. Truly "the fear of the Lord is 
wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding." 

London, July 28th. — Yesterday I had two opportu- 
nities of speaking publicly on the Ulster Eevival. The 
first was in the lower room at Exeter Hall, where a 
meeting was assembled to adopt measures for promoting 
prayer-meetings in London and elsewhere. The second 
was in Dr. Ferguson's school-house, near the Eegent's 

Y 



322 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN 



Park, in a meeting convened by my old friend, the Kev. 
Mr. Sargent, of the Church of England, who lived in 
Carlow when I was there, and ascribes many of his early 
religious impressions to my ministry. We had a most 
happy assemblage, and I have not enjoyed any ser- 
vice in London so much as this. At Exeter Hall I met 
the Bishop of Sierra Leone, and was introduced to him 
by Sir Culling Eardly. He appears to be a most pious 
and evangelical man. He gave me his card, and I pro- 
mised to send him a copy of Professor Gibson's book on 
the Eevival. On Thursday I was at Windsor, and got 
through almost all the rooms in the Palace. This was by 
means of the Eev. Henry Gamble, who knew the officials. 
One of the servants we saw is a Scotchwoman, and has 
charge of the Queen's rooms. She declined to attend the 
balls given to the servants. The Queen observed this, 
and, seeing her high and independent principle, she pro- 
moted her to her present position. On Thursday we went 
to the Crystal Palace. It is a large baby-house. 

December 29th. — Yesterday I received £60 from a 
friend, A. M., £50 of which is to be distributed among 
the necessitous, as I shall think best, and the remaining 
£10 to be applied to the purchase of books for our con- 
gregational library. Last year I had a similar sum from 
the same gentleman, and for many years previously re- 
ceived £50. This has been a great help to me in my in- 
tercourse with the poor and needy. I have used the 
benefaction of my friend chiefly in aiding a more respect- 
able class of sufferers. The rule which I have proposed 
to myself has been, not to give it away in shillings to the 
wasteful poor, but to persons whom, in more considerable 
sums, it would permanently serve. It thus pays the rents 
of several widows quarterly ; gives aid in cases of sick- 
ness and death, in poor but respectable families. The £10 



"ABLE to keep you." 



323 



for the library I wish to expend in the purchase of some 
critical works, designed chiefly for the use of the minister of 
the congregation — standard works of reference that might 
be useful to myself and my successors. Congregations 
ought to have their ministers supplied with the best 
books. How are they otherwise to be efficient ministers ? 
Lord, make me thankful for the kindness of this friend, 
and the facilities he has given me thereby. 

January 26th, 1861. — Yesterday I had my two ser- 
mons prepared for to-morrow, when a circumstance oc- 
curred that required me to set one of them aside and 
prepare another. I received a letter from a member of 
the congregation, who withheld his name, describing his 
spiritual case, and earnestly entreating me to take it into 
my consideration. I understand him to mean that he 
wishes me to deliver a sermon on the subject. I am accus- 
tomed to encourage the people to make such requests, and 
always attend to them when they appear to proceed 
from a sincere desire for instruction, and not from mere 
curiosity or any unworthy motive. The letter received 
yesterday is obviously the utterance of the writer's heart. 
I have, consequently, at once resolved to attend to it. His 
complaint is, that he is a backslider, and that, in spite of 
all resolution, he has fallen again and again. He describes 
himself as almost in despair. When I read the letter, my 
thoughts instantly reverted to Jude, 24, 25 — " Now unto 
Him that is able to keep you from falling," and so 
resolved to discourse upon it to-morrow morning, if per- 
mitted of the Lord. God, enable me to do so faithfully 
and successfully. 

February 23rd. — Another new church is likely to be 
formed in Belfast. The Baptists have offered their church, 
in Academy Street, for sale, intending to build elsewhere. 
It contains about five hundred sittings. Dr. Edgar has 



324 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



offered £480 for it, and the offer has been accepted. Is it 
not wonderful how Providence opens our way, and con- 
strains us to enter on one course of usefulness after 
another ? I had thought we would be exhausted by the 
efforts already made. We have four new churches in 
progress, and now here is another ! I have no doubt all 
the funds necessary will be speedily obtained. Nor does 
there appear to be anywhere a diminished attendance, in 
consequence of the increase of churches. My own con- 
gregation never was larger, if so large, as this winter. 
Better than this, we never saw the same fruits. Con- 
versions are more numerous than ever before. We are 
habitually discovering fresh examples. Oh, that they 
may increase a hundred-fold ! 

March 9th. — This morning, a friend, Mr. J. B. died. 
He has long been delicate, but no apprehensions were 
entertained of any immediate danger. He was at the 
Music Hall prayer-meeting on Wednesday. Yesterday 
he was in his usual health. Last night he slept well, and 
awoke this morning at six o'clock, complaining of bad 
breathing. In an hour or two after, he died. Oh, how 
solemn is this thought ! In the midst of life, truly we 
are in death ! 

December 21st. — On Saturday last, the 14th instant, 
two deaths occurred that have made a profound impres- 
sion on the public mind — that of Dr. Cunningham, the 
Principal of the Free Church College in Edinburgh, and 
that of the Prince Consort, at Windsor. The former was, 
perhaps, the highest mind in Scotland, and the latter occu- 
pied the highest place in England after the Queen. The 
whole community has been stirred by these events. Oh, 
that they may be sanctified ! Dr. Cunningham's death 
was all that could be desired by his friends and by the 
Church. He died in peace and the consciousness of his 



LIFE OF ME. JAMES, OF BIRMINGHAM. 325 



impending change. The Prince also expected his death. 
We have no account of his mental exercises, but there is 
hope in his death. His life was most pure and becoming 
since he came to England. There is universal mourning 
for him. The feeling toward the Queen is most tender ; 
she is loved, honoured, and esteemed, and the sympathy for 
her is intense. Lord, do Thou bless her ; preserve her 
in sound mind ; enable her to bear Thy will meekly ; give 
her the consolation of Thy Spirit. 

2nd November. — I have this week read nearly through 
the life of Mr. James, by Mr. Dale. It is a profitable 
book, and I have been instructed in many things by it. 
The subject was worthy of such a volume. Mr. James 
was a most able, eloquent, godly, and useful man. He 
had immense energy, and it was all devoted to the cause 
of Christ. I think the book has suffered by the life not 
being followed in one continuous course from the beginning 
to the end. The author seems to have been led into the 
method adopted by Mr. James's own autobiography — ■ 
viewing the life under separate departments, and bringing 
under each of these all that belongs to that part of his 
character. It would have been more natural to have 
followed him from year to year through all the develop- 
ment of his life ; thus giving us the man in his rise, 
progress, and decay. Still, as it is, the volume is truly 
excellent. I am thankful to have got the reading of it. 
Its great lesson is " whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do 
it with thy might." 

January 25th, 1862. — Within about a week four of 
the ministers of the Assembly have died. One of them 
was young and the others were old. How soon may it 
be told of me that I, too, have died ! Lord, enable me 
to live under this solemn and abiding impression. I mean, 
if it please God, to occupy my morning discourse to-morrow 



326 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



with the exercises of one of them on his death-bed. He 
quoted the words of John Bradford — " I am not what I 
should be ; I am not what I might be ; I am not what I 
will be ; but, by the grace of God, I have been brought 
to the Cross of Christ, and found peace and pardon through 
His blood : and, when I put on immortality, I shall be 
what I ought to be." What precious and instructive 
words ! 

February 22nd. — My dear young friend, Mr. T. Y. 
Killen, who has been called to the new church at Dun- 
cairn, commenced his labours there on last Lord's Day. 
I am thankful to learn the place was well filled at both 
morning and evening services, and that he was very ac- 
ceptable to the congregation. May the Lord 's best bless- 
ing rest upon him. Mr. John Moore has been called to 
the new church at University Square, and intends to 
come. Mr. Moran, of Newry, will be called to Belmont, 
and I believe is expected to accept the call. We shall 
thus have an addition of three most admirable men and 
ministers, besides others that have come recently to town. 
In the course of the year we have had five new ministers 
and churches. This has been to a large extent the fruit 
of the recent Revival. 

June 7 th. — I desire to record the following to the 
praise of Divine providence : — On the evening of Wed- 
nesday, the 28 th of May, one of our ministers called on 
me and begged me to get him some help towards building 
a school-house. On leaving, he said — " If any of your 
ladies call on you to ask your advice in using their money, 
will you remember my school ? I said I would. On the 
Friday morning following a lady did call to ask such 
advice. She wished to be directed in the use of £200. 
By my advice she gave £100 to Dr. Craig's church at 
Hamburg, and £50 to my brother for his school-house. 



VISIT TO ROSTREVOR. 



327 



On Tuesday last a widow of one of our ministers sent for 
me to tell me of her great distress. I thought of the 
remaining £50, which was appropriated to help the tem- 
poral distress of any afflicted persons. For her I got £10. 
Was not the hand of God in all this ? 

June 21st. — I had occasion recently to notice a 
gracious providence of God in procuring funds for His 
own cause ; and I now record another that is more per- 
sonal to myself. There is a dear friend of mine in bad 
health, and a change to the seaside was recommended to 
him. He has a large family, and small means, and I felt 
a desire to send him some help. I enclosed £5, and said 
it was to aid him in getting a lodging. The same day 
that this sum was sent to him I received, subsequently, a 
present of £5 from a gentleman whence I did not expect 
it — of which, indeed, I had never thought. Was it not 
the will of God to refund me what I had sent ? Would 
this £5 have been sent to me if I had withheld the £5 
from my friend, when the thought of giving it was pre- 
sented to me ? I cannot tell, yet it is my desire to look 
at it in this light. 

July 19th. — Last Saturday I went to Eostrevor, and 
on the Sabbath-day I preached for my son twice to good 
congregations. I remained till Saturday, and was re- 
freshed by my visit to that sweet place. It was very 
pleasant to be in my son's family, and manse, and church. 
I think it is Sir Walter Scott who said the highest of 
parental happiness is to sit at our son's table. I have felt 
this happiness, and thank God for it. Oh, that His divine 
Spirit may be poured out on that household ! What a 
contrast my son's settlement is to mine ! His gives quiet 
and ease to the minister, and time for meditation and 
reading ; yefc, perhaps, it would not suit me now. My 
old friend, Dr. Drew, who had a large charge here, and 



328 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



went to a small country parish, told me lately that it does 
not do for an old minister to make such a change. He 
appears to have suffered in health by it. Lord, make me 
thankful and contented. On Thursday evening I preached 
to the weekly congregation, which is addressed alternately 
by the vicar and my son. It is a most interesting audience, 
composed of all denominations. The place of meeting 
was well filled. This is a service calculated to be highly 
useful. May the blessing of the Lord rest upon it. I 
desire to be thankful for the place which my son obviously 
holds in the esteem and affection of all the people. He 
seems to be their counsellor and friend. His manse and 
family enhance his influence, for they are very lovely and 
becoming in every way. Lord, dwell Thou in that 
peaceful habitation. May it long be Thy abode. 

October 25th. — I am asked and have consented to go 
to Tullylish this evening, that I may preach a funeral 
sermon there to-morrow, for Dr. J ohnston, the minister of 
the congregation, who died last week. He was seventy- 
six years old, fifty-five years in the ministry, and of these, 
fifty-one in Tullylish. He was from the age of fourteen 
a servant of the Lord, and was, from that date, a con- 
sistent, godly, and zealous Christian. His ministry was 
faithful and useful. He was specially known as the 
advocate and example of open-air preaching. To him 
the Assembly is specially indebted for the systematic 
practice of it that has prevailed for some years past. I 
have enjoyed his friendship and that of his family for 
about forty-five years. I visited him several times on his 
death-bed. He died in peace, calmly relying on Jesus 
only. 

January 31st, 1863. — Last Lord's Day I preached 
in Omagh twice. In the midst of the most severe weather 
we had a tolerable Sabbath. There were good congrega- 



FORTY YEARS' RETROSPECT. 



329 



tions, and I trust a favourable impression was made. I 
went with severe cold, and did not know whether I should 
have voice, but God disappointed my fears. I spoke 
with ease, and was rather better of the exertion than 
worse. My pulpit was supplied in the morning by Mr. 
Killen, of Comber, and in the afternoon by Dr. Cooke, 
who came, by appointment of the Presbytery, to announce 
a visitation of the congregation on Tuesday next. There 
were large congregations, especially in the afternoon. The 
people were edified, I am thankful to hear. My old friend 
was very acceptable. He preached with great power. He 
chose his text, at my request, from 1 John, v. 12 — " He 
that hath the Son hath life." His discourse was all the 
more impressive because the congregation knew he had a 
daughter at the time hopelessly ill. She is dying. I 
saw her a few days ago, and she was calm and happy, 
waiting for her change. Lord, do Thou stand by her, and 
strengthen her and prepare her for the great change that 
seems to be near. 

February 28th. — It is forty years this day since I 
was married to my beloved wife. What a host of reflec- 
tions rush into my memory in looking back on these forty 
years. They seem to be a mere shadow. It is difficult 
to realise the fact that they have come and gone. The 
day of our marriage seems to me as if it were only yester- 
day. Yet how many and solemn the events that have since 
happened. We have had eight children, of whom the 
half are now dead. We have had great joys and great 
sorrows. We began life with very slender means of 
support, and we are now well provided for. We have 
enjoyed uninterrupted health, save when each of us, at 
different times, was laid down in fever. I have had 
occasional suffering from headache, but my dear wife has 
been invariably well. How much I owe to God for her ! 



330 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



She has been a singular blessing in every way to me. I 
have just read over a prayer written on the day of my mar- 
riage, and have to own that God has been to me truly the 
hearer of prayer. I am thankful I wrote that prayer, and 
have preserved it, and put it into my journal for 1834, 
the first year I began to keep one regularly. Since then 
I have persevered to do so within one of thirty years. It 
has been a most useful exercise. 

March 28th. — I have just returned from the prayer- 
meeting of the students, to whom an address was delivered 
by the Rev. Carstairs Douglas, a missionary from China. 
He has been in that country for seven years, and is here 
on a visit with a friend. It was thought well to ask him 
to speak to the students, in the hope of moving them to 
consider the claims of the Foreign Mission field. We have 
been unable to find missionaries for our Jewish and Foreign 
Missions. This shows a low state of religious zeal among 
us. Mr. Douglas spoke some very solemn and stirring 
truths. He concluded with an impressive view of the 
deep interest he had felt in the laying of the foundation 
of a Christian Church among a heathen people. It was 
a new thought to me. It reminded me of Paul's saying, 
that he had laboured to preach the Gospel where Christ 
had not before been known. It is like opening a well of 
refreshing water in a wilderness where such had not before 
existed. May the meeting be profitable. There are some 
excellent and pious young men among the students ; but 
there is a lack of missionary zeal and enterprise. 
arm of the Lord, put forth Thy power, and rouse us to a 
right spirit ! 

April 18th. — I have recently read through the Book 
of Common Prayer. It has left a very unfavourable im- 
pression on my mind. Wherever the subject of Baptism 
is treated, the doctrine is most unsound. There can be 



THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 



331 



no reasonable doubt, that in tjiis book Baptism is under- 
stood to be regeneration. This is the pervading, funda- 
mental, and dangerous error of the teaching which it 
contains. It is no matter of surprise that so many 
members of the Church of England pass over to 
Eomanism. If they consistently follow out the instruc- 
tions of this book of devotion, I do not see how they 
can do otherwise. It is not merely that this great error 
is taught in the form for the administration of baptism, 
but we find it everywhere and in all connexions. Nothing 
but a total change in its spirit will remove this doctrine. 
I am sure the godly ministers and members of the Church 
of England, of whom I rejoice to think there are so many, 
have some way of explaining this sad deviation from the 
doctrine of the New Testament, so as to satisfy their 
own minds, but I cannot imagine what it is. It is often 
wondered how the children of such men as Mr. Wilber- 
force could go over to the Church of Eome. The reason 
is plain. The Book of Common Prayer does it all. Oh, 
that this deadly poison were taken out of it. 

May 16th. — I have this day finished the perusal of 
Mr. Waddell's book, entitled, " Missionary Work and 
Adventure." It is a large volume, extending to nearly 
700 pages. It was sent to my beloved wife as a present 
from Mrs. Waddell, as a remembrance of our kindness to 
her and her husband when they spent some time with us, 
more than twenty years ago, and we helped him in 
getting support for his missionary labours in Jamaica. 
He has now retired from the mission field, after having 
spent about sixteen years in Jamaica, and twelve in 
Calabar, on the coast of Africa. As a book, the work is 
too long and too minute in its details. The substance 
might be well comprised in a volume half the size. Yet 
it is a most valuable and interesting production. I have 



332 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



read it through with deep sympathy, not merely as the 
work of my honoured and beloved friend, but as well 
deserving great commendation for its own intrinsic excel- 
lence. One lesson has been deeply impressed on my 
mind by it — my own reasons for thankfulness in having 
such a field of labour as God has given to me, in com- 
parison with that in which my friend and brother was so 
long occupied. What a life of trial he had ! full of per- 
plexity and discouragement. What a delightful field 
God assigned to me in Fisherwick Place ! 

July 25 th. — Mr. Brownlow North is expected to preach 
in Fisherwick Place to-morrow afternoon. Lord, wilt 
Thou come with him, and speak by him to the people ? 
I spent yesterday evening with him at the house of my 
kind friend, Mr. James Shaw. His conversation was plea- 
sant and profitable, but his health is much broken. It 
has suffered a severe strain by too great an effort, both 
mental and bodily. Mr. Guinness also has been here, but 
he has given great offence to the Presbyterian people by 
some rash words spoken respecting them. How many 
ways Satan has to injure the usefulness of good and 
efficient men ! These evangelists were fitted to stir up 
the Churches, but hindrances have been raised in the way 
of them both. After all, the stated ministry is the grand 
ordinance of God for conversion and edification. Its 
danger is to fall into formality, and to be satisfied with 
the present state of things, if they are only outwardly 
prosperous. This is my own danger. I look to see the 
house of God well attended, and the sacraments duly 
observed, but I am not sufficiently alive to the purpose 
and end of them all. Lord, enable me to remember how 
these are set forth in Thy Word — Of Zion it shall be 
said, This and that man was born in her," and may I never 
be satisfied without this gracious issue. 



" DISCUSSIONS ON CHURCH PRINCIPLES." 333 



November 28th. — In the course of this week I was 
under the impression that I was likely to lose over £1,000. 
I had never an experience of the same kind before, and 
hope it was not unprofitable. God has graciously relieved 
me, and I desire to keep these things in mind, and learn 
their lessons. In public matters, also, I have met with 
some things observable. I went to one of our new and 
large linen offices, and inquired for the book-keeper, who 
had been looking for sittings in our church. I asked of 
him about others who had come from the country to the 
same place of business. The young men, clerks and 
lappers, had been brought by their employer when he 
came himself. The book-keeper sent seven young men 
in to me, one by one, and I talked with each of them. 
They are all Presbyterians, and some of them connected 
with Sabbath-schools in the congregations from which 
they came. Most of them expressed a desire to get sittings 
in our church. We have been trying to get places for 
them. How important to take up these young men on 
coming to town ! 

March 26th, 1864- — I have just finished the reading 
of Dr. Cunningham's volume, entitled — Discussions on 
Church Principles." It is truly refreshing to read such a 
book. It is only in character too with the other volumes 
now appearing from time to time as they are published by 
his literary trustees. The multitude of books now 
issuing from the press, are, to a large extent, not worth 
reading. They are sadly devoid of thoughtful and able 
exposition of Divine truth. Dr. Cunningham s books are 
a noble exception. The are strong and manly and in- 
vigorating. You feel, as you read, that you are taught 
by a master in Israel. It is a blessed thing to find the 
whole counsel of God put forth with so much power and 
persuasion. 



334 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



April 9th. — Dr. Glasgow has arrived from India, after 
having been twenty-four years a missionary of the As- 
sembly there. He was home ten years ago and returned, 
leaving his wife and children in this country. He had not 
seen them for ten years, and yet we never heard a mur- 
mur from him on the subject. He returns in good health, 
as good as when he went out at first, having fulfilled a 
most successful and honourable mission. His life and 
ministry have been truly admirable. He left the field of 
his labour with the high esteem and affection of all who 
knew him. What blessed works he has left behind in his 
translation of the Scriptures and other literary labours ! 
He is simple as a child, yet profound in scholarship. 
Mighty changes have taken place during the period of 
his residence in India. We did not expect to find the 
mission so productive of good as it has proved to be. 
Twenty-four years have passed away very rapidly, but 
the Lord's work was advancing and deepening all the 
time. 

May 14th. — On Wednesday, the 4th of this month, I 
went to Dublin, by appointment of our Missionary 
Directors, to have a conference with the congregation of 
Mary's Abbey about their ancient church, which it has 
been proposed to occupy as a missionary station, as soon 
as the congregation go to their new church in Eutland 
Square. I was also to meet with a licentiate from the 

West of Ireland, Mr. B , who had proposed to go out 

on our Foreign Mission to India. These two conferences 
were held, and on Thursday I came to my son's at 
Eostrevor. I preached on that evening by the request of 
the vicar in the schoolroom, where he and my son hold 
alternately a lecture once a week. On the Sabbath I 
preached twice in the Presbyterian Church, on Monday 
went to Newry, and in the evening addressed a meet- 



DEATH OF BEV. ME. HANSON. 



335 



ing there on behalf of the Assembly's Church and Manse 
and School Fund. On Wednesday, the 11th, I preached 
in the evening at Mr Von. Stieglitz's school-house, at 
Knockbaragh Park ; and on Thursday came back to my 
own peaceful and quiet home. 

December 31st. — I have been greatly concerned about 
a new work, which I have engaged with the Messrs. 
Clarke, of Edinburgh, to have published. The title is, 
" The Testimony of the Scriptures to the Holy Spirit." 
Early in my ministry in Belfast, I delivered a long series 
of discourses on the testimony of the Scriptures to Christ. 
When that was finished I gave a course, for nearly three 
years, on the Spirit. Then again, when, a few years ago, 
attention was called to the subject by the revival that 
took place, I prepared a new course on the same subject, 
consisting of about fifty sermons. I wrote them fully, 
and read them. They have lain by me since. 

January 14-th, 1865. — My dear brother, Mr. Hanson, 
has died unexpectedly, of fever. He was ill twelve days, 
and died on the thirteenth. I saw him the day before he 
died and had a pleasant interview. He was very weak, 
but was roused up and spoke to me. He seemed to feel 
that I wished to get something from him regarding the 
state of his soul, and he said, with some interruption 
from weakness — "I am sure of my acceptance in 
Christ ; my sins were laid on J esus, and He bare them in 
His own body on the tree [the latter part of the sentence 
he seemed unable to remember, and he repeated it after me]. 
I am justified in Christ." The last words he spoke strongly 
and decidedly. He was a most amiable man. It is exactly 
five years since his predecessor, Mr. Hamilton, died of the 
same disease ; the former on the 8th, and the latter on the 
13th of January. Lord bless the widow and her four sons. 
God has greatly blessed the family of Mr. Hamilton. 



336 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



J anuary 28th. — To-day I have seen a circular from 
one of our principal booksellers, announcing the publica- 
tion of my new volume by the Messrs. Clarke, in March 
next, and inviting those to whom it is sent to be subscri- 
bers. I have corrected the proofs of nearly the first half 
of the volume, and the publishers say all the printing will 
be finished in February. I am deeply concerned about 
this volume, having longed to testify to the Holy Spirit 
before the Church and the world. My highest aim is the 
honour of the Spirit and the spread of the truth, as re- 
gards His person, and work, and influence. Lord, I 
commit this undertaking to Thee. Whatever its accept- 
ance may be with men, may it have Thy favour. I have 
refused to have any pecuniary interest in it, but am 
deeply solicitous for its success, for the truth's and Christ's 
sake. 

March 11th. — My book on " The Scripture Testimony 
to the Holy Spirit " has arrived, and I am well satisfied 
with its outward appearance. I have already sent away 
a large number of copies, and intend to send one to every 
minister of our Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Lord, 
wilt Thou give it acceptance, if it be in accordance with 
Thy will. M ay it be seasonable as a gift to our ministers, 
and through them may it reach the people with power 
and profit. It is amazing to what an extent the doctrine 
of the Spirit is overlooked. This is a proof of our self- 
dependence and of our forgetfulness of Grod. We can 
live long and scarcely recognize the Spirit ; either how 
much we owe to Him or are dependent on Him. 

October 21st. — I have just received a copy of my book 
on the First Epistle of John. My first feeling was to 
bow down in prayer and offer it to Cod, and ask His 
blessing upon it. This I have done, and trust the Lord 
has accepted it for His Son's sake, and will honour it for 



A CONGREGATIONAL REUNION. 



337 



the extension of His kingdom. Holy Spirit I wilt Thou 
own this attempt to explain and commend Thine own 
work in the hearts and lives of men ? Brotherly love ! I 
have delighted to write of it ; it is a congenial theme to 
me. May the Lord promote it more and more in my 
own heart, in my flock, and in all the Church of God. I 
lay my book on Thine altar — wilt Thou accept it in 
Christ? 

November 18th. — On the 15th instant a meeting of 
our congregation was held, at the invitation of the elders 
and deacons, for the purpose of giving thanks to God for 
the prosperity and harmony of the congregation, and for 
acknowledging the gift of my book on 1st John, recently 
given to the seat-holders. The attendance was very lar^e 
and enthusiastic. Mr. Lytle, the Mayor, was in the 
chair, and he took that opportunity to direct the atten- 
tion of the congregation to the Annual Report, just 
published, and to the recommendation of the duty of 
" weekly storing" for God, which it enforces. Mr. Dickey 
then proposed a resolution, thanking the Lord for His 
mercies to us as a congregation, and this was seconded by 
Mr. Workman, and unanimously passed. Mr. Bristow pro- 
posed a vote of thanks to me, which was seconded by 
Mr. Shaw. The Mayor suggested that it should be passed 
by all standing up, and this was warmly adopted. I rose 
and expressed my thanks at some length. The meeting 
was opened with singing and prayer by Dr. Glasgow. 
Another prayer was offered, after the first resolution, by 
our elder, Mr. Taylor, and it was concluded by myself, 
singing Psalm cxxxiii., and then engaging in prayer. 
The Lord be praised ! 

December 16th. — I have just finished the third volume 
of Dr. Cunningham's works, edited by his literary exe- 
cutors. They are truly good ; especially his volume on the 
z 



338 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DE MORGAN. 



Keformers and the Theology of the Eeformation is most 
excellent. His views are singularly sound and deep. I 
do not know of any modern books to be compared with 
them. They are much needed, and are most refreshing 
in this day of light religious literature. I am getting 
tired of our monthlies — " Good Words," " The Sunday 
Magazine," and the " Family Treasury." They are not 
maintaining their place, or, at least, I do not relish them 
so much as formerly. I am beginning to question whether 
the time spent on them would not be better occupied with 
more solid books. 

March 31st, 1866. — I have hitherto adhered to my 
old habit of entire abstinence from intoxicating drinks, 
and am fully satisfied it is the right way — at least, in 
present circumstances. I attended the annual meeting 
of the Temperance League, and had great satisfaction in 
advocating its principles and practices. Alas ! there is 
much cause to testify against the abounding intemperance. 
It is a fearful delusion which causes so many to suppose 
that stimulants are necessary when there is hard work. 
I have had a week of incessant labour, and am satisfied 
I work through it better without than with stimulants. 
I have a large number of people in sickness, living at great 
distances in the country, and have thus been walking daily 
from eight to twelve miles, besides driving in trains, to 
visit them. Several of our principal people are laid down 
— Messrs. Bristow, Shaw, and Getty, with many others. 
I bless the Lord, who gives me pleasant and profitable 
intercourse with them. I could well spend all my time 
with the sick. Lord, help me in this labour. 

April 14-th. — I have this week lost one of my best 
and oldest friends, James Bristow, Esq., of the Northern 
Bank. When I came to Belfast he had a pew in Fisher- 
wick Place, and came usually morning and afternoon. 



DEATH OF HIS SONS. 



339 



He was appointed one of our deacons, and was ever ready 
to help in any service lie could render. Whenever he 
was present at any congregational meeting he was, by 
universal consent, called to the chair. Of late years 
he assisted at the communion-table. The congregation 
greatly honoured him. His death is a great loss to us, 
but I trust to him it is unspeakable gain. He leaves 
a most delightful, godly, and useful family. Lord, 
bless them ! 

June 23rd. — I have this day received a letter from 
Archibald Armstrong, dated from Conersville, Tennessee, 
United States, June 4th, 1866, telling me of the death of 
my son James at Belbuckle, Bedford County, Ten., on 
Thursday, May 17th, 1866. He mentions that he was 
buried close to that place, and that a neat railing was 
placed around his grave. He was not able to give me 
any particulars of his death, as he lives at a distant place. 
This is solemn and affecting intelligence to me, but not 
unexpected. He was four years in the American war — 
from its commencement to its close. He was never 
wounded, and said he was in good health. In a letter I 
had from him after the war he told me his regiment went 
out 1,000 strong, of whom only twenty- eight remained 
to return, and he was one of them. Poor fellow ! he was 
a buoyant, exuberant creature, and, I suppose, imagined 
himself well when he may have been far otherwise. Lord, 
Thou knowest how it was with him in his highest con- 
cerns. I know not, but will try to learn. Dear John 
and James, farewell ! You lie in the land of strangers. 

October 6th. — I have much cause to bless the Lord for 
His great goodness in the settlement of our Theological 
Chair. Dr. Watts has been chosen to it by the unani- 
mous voice of the Assembly. It pleased the Lord to 
employ me as an unworthy advocate for His servant. I 



340 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



had been asked to nominate him, and consented. On the 
evening before the day of election all necessary documents 
■ — degree, diploma, testimonials, &c, from the United 
States, were brought to me. These had only arrived (at 
least, some of the most important of them) the day be- 
fore. I got an hour to examine and arrange them. They 
were very satisfactory, and the Lord directed me in using 
them. I entered on the duty with fear and trembling, 
and was very doubtful of the issue. The Lord stood by 
me, and my statement was most favourably received. I 
was followed by my beloved friend and brother, Henry 
Wallace, who delivered an excellent address. All op- 
position was disarmed. None spoke against our motion. 
The election was unanimous. It has given unbounded 
satisfaction in the town and everywhere. Lord, be Thou 
exalted ! And oh ! do Thou bless and prepare Thy ser- 
vant for his great work. 

October 3rd. — Lord, I cannot go forth this morning 
without specially committing myself to Thy grace and 
guidance. I go first to have part in the laying of the 
foundation-stone of the Ekenhead Church. Lord be praised 
for such an engagement. The sister of the late Thomas 
Ekenhead, Mrs. Dummitt, wishes to raise a church as a 
monument to him. May this example be largely followed 
in the time to come. 

October 27th. — I was this week waited on by two of 
my elders and one of the deacons to say that the congre- 
gation desired to make an expression of their good-will 
to their minister at my entrance on the thirty-ninth year 
of my pastoral relation to them. They further explained 
that a sum of money, upwards of £800, has been, without 
any solicitation, contributed for this purpose by members 
of the congregation. Their special object in waiting upon 
me was to ask in what way I would like this money to 



MR. THOMAS SINCLAIR,. 



341 



be applied. Of all this I had not heard a word until 
it was completed. The kindness of my flock is truly 
wonderful. 

January 5th, IS 67. — On the 2nd instant my friend, 
Thomas Sinclair, died in London. Some months ago he 
was a happy and prosperous man. He told me that he 
expected to be able, within the year, to clear off the debt 
on the church buildings at Duncairn, which had been 
erected chiefly at his expense. He was a large-hearted, 
godly, earnest man, an elder in Fisherwick Place for many 
years, until he went out, by my advice, to cherish the 
new congregation at Duncairn. He died suddenly. A 
more true-hearted man I never knew. 

January 12th. — After the funeral of Mr. Thomas 
Sinclair, on Monday last, my beloved C. F. waited on me 
at the graveyard, and suggested that something should be 
done as a memorial to Thomas Sinclair. In company 
with Dr. W. D. Kill en, we agreed to prepare a notice for 
the newspapers, proposing to raise such a fund, and went 
out and got a few of our principal people to sign it — the 
Member for the Borough, the Mayor, &c, &c. We had it 
in the papers next morning. The day after, one or two 
letters appeared, urging that the memorial should be for 
the General Hospital, as all classes would unite in that. 
A public meeting was called, and this was agreed upon, 
as it was preferred by the family. A subscription-list 
was opened, and a sum of £1,000 has already been ob- 
tained. It is expected to be much larger — at least £2,000 
or more. This is to be funded, and the interest paid 
annually to the hospital, under the name of the Sinclair 
Testimonial Fund. 

February 2nd. — I ought to be much impressed by 
the notice of the death of two of my old friends, Messrs. 
Sinclair and Workman, who were long in the eldership of 



342 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DB. MOEGAN. 



Fisherwick Place : both godly and most agreeable. This 
morning I attended tbe funeral of another, with whom 
and bis family I was long closely connected, Mr. Eichard 
Barnett, a distinguished dentist here for many years. 
Eight of our communicants have died since our last com- 
munion. 

June 15th. — Our Assembly concluded in Dublin on 
the 13th, and is to meet again in Belfast on the 14th of 
August, to complete some remaining business, and elect 
a Professor of Ethics in the Belfast College, in room of 
Dr. Gibson, who died suddenly on the 7th, in Dublin. 
He was at all the meetings of the Assembly, and led the 
singing every morning at a public breakfast in the 
Eotundo, given to the members of Assembly by the 
friends in Dublin. He was in the Assembly on Friday 
till it closed at half-past eleven o'clock at night, and was 
observed to be in unusually high spirits. He went away 
for his lodgings, about a mile distant, and was found on 
the street, dead, about three o'clock in the morning. 
He died, the physicians say, of apoplexy, It is sup- 
posed he had suddenly become affected, and may have 
thus been unable to find his lodgings, and that, after 
going about for a time, he fell down from loss of con- 
sciousness and strength. What a lesson ! It fell awfully on 
the Assembly next morning. He was a brother greatly 
beloved and esteemed. All who knew him admired and 
loved him. He occupied a most useful place among his 
brethren. He was ever ready to undertake the duty laid 
upon him, and he did it successfully. To me he was a 
most valued friend. I have known him from his boy- 
hood, and in all the relations of a brother. Oh, that 
his death may be abundantly blessed to his brethren 
who are spared. It has brought death very near to 
us. This week we have had two notable examples. I 



LEAVE TO CHOOSE AN ASSISTANT. 



343 



was called to see a sick gentleman from a foreign land, 
and before seeing him I besought God to give me his soul 
for my hire, and after three visits there are signs of a 
work of grace on his heart. The other : — I was anxious 
about a young friend in want of a situation. I besought 
God to direct him to one ; and next day he called to say 
he had been appointed to something suitable. 

August 10th. — On Tuesday last I went to the Pres- 
bytery, accompanied by my two elders, Messrs. Dickey 
and Lytle. I stated the case of my delicate health, and 
the desire of myself and my friends that I should have 
some assistance in my ministry. The Lord enabled me 
to speak composedly, though with much emotion. My 
elders followed me, and spoke as became them. We were 
most kindly received and heard by the Presbytery. My 
brethren appeared to be as much affected as myself. 
Nothing could have been more agreeable, however trying. 
Mr. Macnaughtan, Mr. Johnston, Mr. T. Y. Killen, and 
Mr. Shaw, expressed themselves in most affectionate terms. 
It was unanimously agreed that the Presbytery should 
ask the Assembly to grant leave to my congregation to 
choose an assistant and successor. 

January 4th, 1868. — We have been thinking of 
adding to the members of the session in Fisherwick Place, 
and some steps have been taken towards it. We selected 
ten, but only four have consented to be nominated. These 
are — Dr. Watts and Dr. Glasgow, Mr. John Kinghan and 
Mr. Matthew Patteson. All seem to concur in the ap- 
pointment of these four brethren. Blessed be the God of 
peace, who gives us unbroken harmony ! I have stated 
to the congregation that I desire to have twenty elders, 
so as to give the charge of twenty-five families to each of 
them, for the distances of residence are now so great that 
it would not be reasonable to give more than that number 



344 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



to any one. Lord, wilt Thou supply these fellow-labourers ? 
Show us whom Thou hast chosen, and direct us in seeking 
and rinding them. How thankful we should be for the 
elders we have ! They have been a great comfort and 
help ; but our number is defective. Twelve might do if 
the people lived near the church, as they used to do ; but 
now less than twenty would not be equal to the duty 
required of them. Lord, bless and further our endea- 
vour in this matter, for our good and Thy glory. 

February 29th. — There is much agitation among us 
at present on the subject of our endowments. Some of 
our brethren think we ought to give them up, or at least 
express our readiness to do so, lest we should encourage 
the Government of the country to endow Popery. Others 
think we should seek an increase, and that the time is 
favourable for doing so. My own opinion is that we 
should be passive. I would not urge the Government to 
increase our endowments, lest they should use it as an 
argument to endow error. But I would not take any 
step to lead to their removal. If they are withdrawn, by 
no doing of ours, the Lord will put it into the hearts of 
the people to supply their place, which they can most 
easily do. But if, without sufficient reason, of our own 
accord, we abandon them, we cannot expect that the Lord 
will interpose to supply their loss. They are not wrong, 
but right in themselves ; and it is a serious thing to de- 
part from the principles and practice of the Church dur- 
ing the entire period of its existence in this country. As 
yet, I have not publicly expressed my opinion on the 
subject. Lord, direct me in the path of duty ! I deeply 
feel the need of Divine direction at the present time. 
Grant it to me and to all my brethren, and to the whole 
Church, for Christ's sake. 

March 7th. — On the 4th instant, an assistant and sue- 



ORDINATION OF ME. MACKINTOSH. 345 



cessor to my honoured and beloved brother, Dr. Cooke, 
was installed in May Street — Mr. Mackintosh. I was 
called upon to deliver the charge. It affected me much 
to see my old friend in his infirmity. The mighty man 
is bowed down in weakness ; the voice that commanded 
thousands with its thrilling eloquence was almost in- 
audible ; the firm hand was palsied. The description of old 
age by Solomon is, indeed, realised in him ; yet his mind 
is clear and sound. When I had occasion to refer to him 
in the charge it almost overcame me. Mr. Mackintosh 
is a well-educated, godly, and able man. His field is an 
excellent one for usefulness. May the Lord be with him 
and bless him, and make him a blessing. It is very im- 
portant to have a good ministry in Belfast. Its influence 
will be felt through the whole Church. Lord, give Thy 
Spirit to those labouring in it. May it be the centre of a 
great and gracious influence through the land far arid 
wide ! 

March 21st. — I have this week read through Wither- 
spoon on Eegeneration, and have had great pleasure and 
profit in this exercise. It is most refreshing to read such 
a treatise. The style is excellent — pure and unadorned 
English. The method is clear and simple. Above all, 
the matter is sound and scriptural. What a contrast this 
book is to those published on the same subject in these 
days ! 

April 4th. — At 3.15 a.m., the House of Commons 
rose last night, or rather this morning (such is the speed 
of the telegraph), after deciding, by a majority of sixty, 
that the Episcopal Church cease henceforth to be the 
Established Church in Ireland. This is the most impor- 
tant movement that has taken place in the United King- 
dom during the present century. It is the beginning of 
greater changes, not in Ireland only, but in Scotland and 



346 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



England. I believe it is the earnest of the separation of 
the State and Church in the British Empire. How blessed 
to know the true Church is still safe, under the supremacy 
of its great King and Head. I have much sympathy 
with my brethren in the Episcopal Church under this 
great measure, so seriously affecting its interests. There 
never were so many godly ministers in it as at the present 
time. But I have no doubt they will find that all this 
has been for their good. The disestablishment of the 
Church means that it is to have self-government in future, 
and that it is not to be longer ruled by Parliament. If 
so, I consider that the disestablishment is a small price 
for the blessing of self-government The Church in Eng- 
land cannot get rid of Dr. Colenso, however anxious to 
do so, because the Civil Court protects him. It would 
be better for the Church in England, too, to be dis- 
established than to be under such bondage. In all 
changes, " The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice !" 

May 23rd. — I have spent a good deal of time this 
week at G-reypoint, and found it pleasant and refreshing. 
The situation and neighbourhood are most suitable and 
convenient. Lord, wilt Thou bless this repose to me, in 
both body and spirit. I have read the greater part of 
the Rev. Canon Stowell's life during the week. He was 
an excellent and able man, but surely he made a sad 
mistake in so devoting himself to worldly politics. I 
cannot understand how so godly a man could endure the 
associations into which he was thus brought ; yet his mind 
did not suffer, his biographer says. It is amazing to me 
how one so enlightened by the Word and Spirit of God 
could think or speak as he does regarding the Church of 
England. He was liberal towards other Churches, but 
he appears to have thought it perfect. How he would have 
been exercised had he lived to see the present times I 



LIFE OF DR. MARSH, 



347 



June 20th. — I have been privileged this week to spend 
several days at our cottage at Greypoint. These were 
pleasantly and profitably employed in reading and writing. 
I finished the " Life of Dr. Marsh," written by his daughter. 
It is very interesting and instructive. He was truly a 
model minister of the English Church. Had her ministers 
generally been like him, the judgments now coming on 
that Church would have been averted. I wish I were 
such a man and minister, though with my views I could 
not be a minister of the Church of England. His domestic 
character is truly lovely. Lord, I humble myself before 
Thee, while I see how far short I have fallen of his stan- 
dard. He sought and obtained the conversion of many 
souls, in both his family connexion and his several con- 
gregations. I remember him, having seen and heard him 
frequently at the May meetings in Dublin in the year 
1822. He was accompanied by the Eev. Mr. Simeon, of 
Cambridge. Lord, make this life useful to me and many 
in this respect. 

November 7th. — I have been lately engaged in writing 
a series of articles in " The Evangelical Witness," on the 
present crisis in our church, when its endowments are 
likely to be withdrawn. In the first, I showed that, 
whereas £40,000 is the amount of the endowment 
annually, our people pay at least £120,000 for tobacco, 
and twice as much for intoxicating drinks, so that if they 
choose, they can easily supply the place of the endow- 
ment. In the second, I have suggested a plan for a 
" Sustentation Fund," for the support of ministers. In 
the third, I have shown that, while as a church we hold 
the principle of Establishments, and while we admit there 
is much good in the Established Church of Ireland, yet 
the state of that church in England is so deplorable that 
it ought to be disestablished, and that as a step to this 



348 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DK. MORGAN. 



end, we should forego our endowments in Ireland. The 
newspapers have been copying the parts of this last 
article that suit their views, and applying them to the 
coming election in the borough. Hence a good deal of 
stir has arisen in connexion with my name. I would have 
preferred that no notice had been taken of me in this 
connexion, but I am not disturbed by it. I felt it to be 
my duty to express my sentiments on so important a sub- 
ject, and am content with having done so. 

November 21st. — The election of members of Parlia- 
ment for this borough has just ended. We have had a 
week of terrible excitement. The contest was a deter- 
mined one between the Conservative candidates and one 
Liberal, with an independent Orangeman, the two former 
being Sir Charles Lanyon and Mr. John Mulholland, and 
the two latter Mr. Thomas M'Clure and Mr. Johnston 
of Ballykilbeg. The latter two have been chosen by 
majorities of two thousand and one thousand. The result 
is a great triumph for the Liberal party. I believe it is 
calculated to be most useful. The Orangemen and the 
Eoman Catholics have been united. There has been no 
fighting. May the Lord grant that great good shall be 
brought out of it. Nor is it in Belfast only that the 
Liberal party has been successful. It has been the same 
in Derry, Newry, Carrickfergus, and elsewhere. This is the 
first step of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland towards 
a place in the House of Commons. Mr. M'Clure was 
long one of my elders, until he got a church on his own 
property at Belmont. He is a truly excellent and useful 
man. I trust this is the beginning of much good. Our 
friends of the Church of England are terribly indignant. 
Yet I believe coming changes will make their church 
more useful than it has ever been. May the Lord so 
order it ! 



DEATH-BED OF DR. COOKE. 



349 



December 12th — My dear old friend, Dr. Cooke, lies 
apparently at the point of death. I have been visiting 
him weekly for the last three months, and have had 
delightful intercourse with him, but to-day he was unable 
to speak with me. I think he was conscious, and joined 
in prayer, but I could not hear anything he tried to utter. 
It was his habit to have some text on which he desired to 
speak with me. He would ask me to interpret it, and 
then he would give his views of it. Our intercourse was 
wholly upon the Word of God, and its Divine doctrines. 
No other subject was ever introduced between us. But 
oh, how changed he is now ! The mighty man is feeble 
as an infant. Lord, be Thou his strength and his 
salvation ! He has been wont to ask questions of me on 
Scripture truth, as if he were a little child. The Psalms 
have been his delight. I suppose I have read to him the 
23rd Psalm a dozen times at his request. He has not named 
any human book to me, so far as I recollect, in all our 
intercourse. Nothing seemed to occur to us but the pure 
Word of God. We have had unbroken intimacy for 
about fifty years. He is my senior by twelve years. 
When he is removed, I will feel myself much alone among 
my brethren. He and Dr. Edgar and I were greatly 
associated in the public mind. But soon we shall all 
meet in eternity ! May it be at the right hand of God ! 

March 6th, 1869. — The Premier has introduced his 
Bill to the House of Commons for the disestablishment of 
the Church of England in Ireland. His speech is a marvel 
of ability and fidelity and gentleness. He has done a great 
work in the best spirit — faithful to good principle, but 
tender. He has conferred the greatest boon on the Irish 
Church — its self-government. If the Bill pass, it will 
place the Church in a better position than it ever occu- 
pied in the land. It will, for the first time in its history, 



350 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



be free. I am afraid many of its excellent ministers do 
not yet see it in this light, but they will come soon to 
appreciate it. Lord, give them good understanding in 
this and all things. If the new position be rightly used, 
an end will be put to many evils in the form of erroneous 
doctrine and Ritualistic practices. The people will get 
power, and use it, I trust, for good. This may be only the 
beginning of such changes. A similar one may be expected 
in England and Wales, and in Scotland. It is most needed 
in England ; and, if accomplished there, what influences it 
will have eventually on the nations of the Continent ! I 
trust the Lord is working for the overthrow of error and 
sin in the nations of the Old World. Be it so, Lord. 

February 27th. — One sad feature in our congregation 
to-day was the absence of my beloved friend, Mr. James 
Shaw, who was removed by death on the previous day. 
He was one of my oldest, best, and most constant friends. 
He was truly godly, and ascribed his conversion to my 
ministry. He did a great and glorious work for the deaf 
and dumb, and the blind. The Institution for them is 
due to him. I hope to improve his death to-morrow 
from Acts, xiii. 36 — " David, after he had served his own 
generation by the will of G-od, fell on sleep." 

March 27th. — On last Sabbath I was in Portadown, 
opening a new church there. Dr. Porter was to have 
been with me, to preach one of the sermons, but he was 
unwell, and his duty, therefore, fell upon me. Thus I 
had two lengthened services — one at twelve o'clock, and 
the other at seven. The day was beautifully fine, and 
the congregation filled the church twice. I preached 
with great ease and comfort, nor did I afterwards feel 
fatigue. I stopped with my friend and kinsman, Dr. 
Massaroon, the Wesleyan minister, and was most comfort- 
ably and hospitably entertained. What an old age God 



THE BRITISH POETS. 



351 



gives to him and his wife, who is sister to Mrs. Morgan. 
They were lovely in their youth, these two sisters, and 
God has given them both a good old age. 

April 17th. — After reading a number of volumes, 
I have turned to the British Poets. I found sixteen 
volumes of them very cheap, and bought them for our 
library. I have read through the poems of George Her- 
bert. They are heavenly, but need time and thought to 
digest them, and they are worthy of both. A minister 
would be well furnished if he had a large number of his 
sayings by heart, and could seasonably use them. I have 
also read through Young's "Night Thoughts." These 
require as much reflection as Herbert's writings, and 
they repay it well. They are as able and sound too, but 
not so spiritual. It would be a fine exercise for a young 
minister to master them. At present I am reading 
" Thomson's Seasons." They are very different from the 
two former — much more simple and easy of comprehen- 
sion, very beautiful and pleasant, with a good tone, and 
fit to be useful. I would be glad if our young people were 
to read these. They would teach them to be observant of 
nature, and give them an increased interest in the changes 
and natural events ever passing before them. I hope to 
read many more of these works, and am thankful for this 
opportunity of doing so. 

June 5th. — I have received a letter from Dr. Hunter 
on his arrival at Shanghai, in China, dated 13th April, 
1869. This is six weeks from the time of sailing from 
Southampton. Everything has gone well with him and 
his companions during the voyage. They had a journey 
of 1,200 miles before them from Shanghai to New- 
ell wang. They feel thankful to God, and confide in Him 
to give them a home and a sphere of usefulness ; but they 
have been admonished that there is not a little danger at 



352 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



present in the prosecution of the missionary life in China. 
The spirit of the natives has been disturbed by recent 
events, and many are willing to stir up hostility against 
the missionaries. In Penang our brethren read in a news- 
paper that it was recommended to the natives to give a 
hrich-bat welcome to the missionaries. China will be 
defended against them by all the hosts of Satan. 

June 9 th. — The election of a Professor of Sacred 
Rhetoric has just terminated in the Assembly, in favour 
of Mr. Rodgers, by ten of a majority. I bless God that 
he has given me a spirit of entire submission to His will 
in this decision. I have truly experienced and enjoyed 
the sweet saying of the Divine Word — Thou will keep 
him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because 
he trusteth in Thee." I believe I would have been more 
troubled if I had been chosen for the Chair. Then would 
have come the thought of being separated from my con- 
gregation, and the serious anticipation of the duties of 
the class, as well as the consideration of my heavy 
pecuniary sacrifice. Personally, therefore, the decision 
is a relief to me. I do and will pray for my brother. 
Lord, fit him for this new position ! Oh, do Thou give 
Thy Spirit to him abundantly ! May he be a holy, en- 
lightened, and successful Professor. Do Thou graciously 
over-rule all for good, for Thou art able. 

July 10th. — To-morrow Dr. Hall, from New" York, is 
to preach in Fisherwick Place, and a collection is to be 
made on behalf of the Sinclair Seaman's Church. Mr. 
Hall is the most popular preacher in New York at present, 
or perhaps in the United States. I remember him in his 
youth, when a student, and have a vivid recollection of 
his figure, as I used to see him coming into the gallery 
of our church, where he was accustomed to sit at public 
worship. Ever since he became a preacher he attracted 



CHOICE OF EEV. MR. WILLIAMSON. 



353 



attention, and has continued to grow in the esteem and 
admiration of the Church. G-od has greatly owned him. 

July 24th. — How wondrous the events occurring 
weekly ! The Irish Church Bill has been this week passed 
in the Houses of Parliament. The Church* of England is 
now, or will be, disestablished and disendowed, in 1871, 
in Ireland. I approve entirely of this measure. I believe 
it is designed of the Lord for a blessing to the Church 
itself, to the community, and to the progress of truth and 
righteousness in the world. This measure is only a pre- 
cursor to similar changes in Scotland and England, and, 
eventually, in all the nations of Europe. The separation 
of the Church from the State will be universal before many 
years pass. While there is this great work at home, I 
have had serious intelligence from our missionaries abroad. 
Mr. and Mrs. M'Mordie have been mercifully preserved 
from death by shipwreck in crossing from Gogo, on the 
Gulf of Cambay. The steamer was broken in pieces by 
the storm. They clung to a portion of the wreck, and, 
after being several times washed off and rescued by the 
captain, they were brought to land alive. 

January 22nd, 1870. — On Monday evening last, a 
poll was taken by the Committee of the Presbytery for 
Mr. Williamson, of Aberdeen, to be my assistant and 
successor. A few, sixteen in number, voted against him, 
and all the rest for him. The minority then acquiesced 
in the decision of the majority, and the call was unani- 
mous. We have reason to be thankful for the unbroken 
spirit of unity and brotherly love thus happily main- 
tained. 

January 29th. — The General Assembly has been 
sitting here since Tuesday, and has risen only to-day. 
The subject of discussion has been the step to be taken as 
the result of the Irish Church Act. The question was, 

2 A 



354 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



Commute or not ? Should the ministers commute, as 
suggested by the Government, in the interests of the 
Church, or shall each minister commute for himself ? If 
the former, the Regium Donum is to be sunk for the 
benefit of ministers, now and in perpetuity ; if the latter, 
the present ministers would have all the benefit, and the 
endowment would die with them. The discussion was 
expected to be fierce, and so it was ; but the right- 
minded ministers and elders stood firm as a phalanx. 
God was with them, and their opponents were beaten 
down by heavy and continuous blows. At length they 
had to yield, and commutation in the interests of the 
Church carried triumphantly. It was a great and glorious 
victory. The Lord's name be praised. 

London, April 4th. — We came to this city on Wed- 
nesday last, the 30th of March. Our mission has been 
on behalf of the General Assembly's purpose to build an 
educational institute at Ahmedabad, in India. The Bom- 
bay Government offer a site for £1,000. We have come to 
ask the Duke of Argyle, the Minister for India, to support 
our application for a free grant. We saw the Duke's Secre- 
tary, and referred him to Sir Bartle Frere, ex-Governor of 
Bombay, a Christian man, who knew our mission. He 
was consulted, and recommended our case. Hence the 
Duke has agreed to enclose our memorial, and call the 
attention of the Local Government to it. We saw Sir 
Bartle Frere, and he advised us to send the memorial to 
Lord Mayo also, the Governor-General. Mr. M'Clure, 
M.P. for Belfast, requested Lord Dufferin to send this 
memorial, and his lordship undertook to do so. Thus 
God has prospered us. 

June 25th. — I have been reading Dr. Pusey's book 
on Daniel, and am thankful to have had the opportunity 
to do so, not merely for the sake of the instruction got by 



DR. PUSEY ON DANIEL. 



355 



it, but that I may know more of its author. It is a great 
book in many respects. Its learning is 'profound, its style 
is in harmony with the subject, and its views are generally 
correct. It makes a fearful exposure of the Eationalists. 
Some passages are the finest imaginable in their composi- 
tion — exquisitely beautiful. I have been amazed to think 
how such a writer could entertain the views with which 
his name is associated. He is surely a devout and godly 
man. His chapter on prophecy, showing how, in its 
minute details, the Book of Daniel is in harmony with 
the style of the other prophetic Scriptures, is a marvel of 
learning and accuracy in Scripture knowledge. I suppose 
there are other men of a similar class in Oxford and Cam- 
bridge, and through the Church of England. Oh, that 
in addition to their literary excellence they had the sound 
and deep theology of the Puritan and Westminster divines ! 

October 8 th. — I was deeply concerned about the re- 
turns of last Sabbath for the Sustentation Fund. It was 
the first trial of the subscriptions being brought on the 
Sabbath morning, and deposited in boxes in the vestibule. 
Would the people remember and do it ? Yes, they did 
so heartily. It was the payment of first half year. There 
were 150 subscribers ; but the packages of envelopes in 
the boxes were about 200. Of the subscribers, about 
twenty did not deposit their envelopes ; but these were 
generally from home, and their subscriptions are as sure 
as if they were paid. Hence about seventy persons made 
deposits who had not entered their names as subscribers. 
The list of givers is well on to 250. The amount of 
money is about £600. This consists of £100 donation, 
and £500 of subscriptions — assuming that those who paid 
last Sabbath mean to continue to do so. I think we may 
thus fairly reckon on £1,000 for the year. One sub- 
scriber of £100 paid the whole sum for the entire year 



356 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



at once, saying — " I may die before the year is out, and 
it is best to have the promised sum paid." This is the 
largest contribution ever made by the congregation at one 
time. I ascribe it to the Spirit of God in the hearts of 
the people. It is very encouraging — an omen of good. 
Surely God is with us ! Blessed be His name and grace ! 
Lord, accept my thanks ! 

October 22nd. — I remained in Dublin over the Sab- 
bath, and had the opportunity on that day and others to 
attend several religious services. I went to the Wesleyan 
Chapel in Stephen's Green, and the minister came to me 
in the pew and insisted on my preaching for him, which I 
did. This was on Thursday evening. On Friday evening 
I went to hear Mr. Guinness at Merrion Hall. He was 
absent, but there was an excellent address from a lay 
gentleman. On Saturday, at five o'clock, I attended at 
St. Bartholomew's, a high Puseyite Church by reputation. 
The prayers were intoned, and I did not hear one word 
that was uttered. I believe two portions of Scripture 
were read, but I could not tell what they were. There 
were twenty-nine persons in the large church. It was 
altogether a poor apeing of Popish worship. On the Sab- 
bath at twelve, I heard a very able discourse in Rutland 
Square, by Mr. M'Kee, on, "Ye do err, not knowing the 
Scriptures." In the afternoon I heard Mr. Nelligan, in 
the Molyneux Church — plain and soundly evangelical. 
At 7 p.m., I heard Mr. Daunt, in Adelaide Road ; a most 
pleasant and profitable preacher. Lord bless the word. 

November 26th. — I have spent my evenings this week 
in reading Mr. Spurgeon's book on the first twenty-six 
psalms — a large volume, consisting of his exposition of 
each of the psalms, with quotations from other writers 
much more lengthened than his own comments. His 
exposition is truly good, sound, able, elegant, new, and 



"life of dr. beecher." 



357 



altogether admirable. There are many passages of the 
finest English composition, pure Saxon, simple, refined, 
and clear as crystal. They are more correct than his 
sermons, as might be expected, being carefully written by 
himself ; and yet they are no less spiritual and practical 
and popular. I trust they may lead to a more careful 
perusal and study of this portion of the Divine Word. 
The accompanying notes, bulking very large in the volume, 
are most varied and instructive and interesting. This is 
the man who was accounted a few years ago unlearned, 
and not sufficiently educated for the Christian ministry. 
I never regarded such opinions of him otherwise than as 
the delusions of spiritual ignorance. I believe him to be 
the greatest power of any man of the present age. 

December 10th. — I have been occupied during the 
mornings of this week in reading the " Life of Dr. 
Beecher," of the United States. It is very useful and 
engaging. He was an able, excellent, and godly man. 
I once heard him preach in London. What a wonderful 
family he had, dead and living ! — Mrs. Stowe and the 
Eev. H. W. Beecher still living. One thing has greatly 
impressed me — his strong opposition to the changes made 
in his day in Connecticut — the loss to the Church of Go- 
vernment support, and the introduction of the voluntary 
principle exclusively in its stead. He expresses his feel- 
ing on this subject, when time had tested the change, 
thus — " For several days I suffered what no tongue can 
tell for the best thing that ever happened to the State 
of Connecticut. It cut the Churches loose from depend- 
ance on State support. It threw them wholly on their 
own resources and on God." These words describe some- 
what my own experience. I did think once that such a 
change as has come on our own Church in Ireland — the 
withdrawal of the Regium Donum — would be ruinous ; 



358 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN". 



but now I see it promises to be a great blessing. Who 
would have expected to see what I have seen in my own 
congregation — a subscription of £1,000 a year for a Sus- 
tentation Fund to support our ministers, now that the 
Regium Donum has been withdrawn ! No doubt our 
experience here in Ireland will eventually be that of Dr. 
Beecher and his friends in the United States. 

7th January, 1871. — I have been spared to enter on 
a new year. The last has been an eventful one in my 
own history and that of the congregation. The idea pre- 
vailed in Belfast, and beyond it, that my withdrawal from 
the active duties of the ministry and the choice of a 
successor would weaken, if not materially damage, the 
prosperity of Fisherwick Place. God has graciously 
spared me to witness the failure of this expectation. It 
continues, through His sovereign grace, to prosper. I 
may say there has been no secession from it, and as many 
new families have come into it as in former years. Of 
course, among so many people there have been changes, 
but not more than in those previous years. It pleased 
God to give us a good minister. Personally, he is every- 
thing we could desire ; pious, earnest, and humble. His 
preaching is able and good, and is growing in popularity. 
The more he is heard and known, he is the more accept- 
able, both himself and his services. His chief difficulty 
will be to get the familiar knowledge of the people which 
I have so long possessed. We grew up together, and 
were more than pastor and people ; we were welded 
together by countless ties of friendship and interest. 
Lord ! bless my brother and his family and ministry far 
beyond mine. 

February 4-th. — Blessed be God, I can begin this new 
quarter by recording what seems to be a sound conversion 
to God, and that in the case of my own dearly-beloved 



VISIT TO CARLOW. 



359 



grandson, James Morgan Finlay. He has been unwell 
for some months, and is obviously getting near to a fatal 
termination. We have been very anxious about his soul. 
He was silent, but most gentle and good. He was 
greatly beloved, and the desire and hope of the family 
was that he might be led to think of the ministry for a 
profession. Two days ago I sat and talked and read with 
him. He responded for the first time, said he did not 
expect to live, but could not see the way of salvation. I 
tried to make it plain, and he remarked — " I do not see 
it yet, but I am sure I will see it." I talked farther and 
prayed. The next day I went back to see him. He was 
rejoicing in Christ. He told me that about an hour after 
my visit, when alone in meditation, his mind was en- 
lightened, and Jesus revealed Himself to him. He con- 
tinues in this happy frame of mind. His parents and 
friends are filled with thankfulness. We can now give 
him up cheerfully to his G-od and Saviour. Lord, 
accept my praises ; and, if Thou dost call him away from 
us, Thy will be done. 

June 17th. — According to my faith hath God done 
unto me, and has given Mr. Stevenson to be my helper 
in the Foreign Mission, by the unanimous will of the 
Assembly. Lord, accept my thanks, and graciously bless 
this arrangement to the prosperity of the work. After 
this decision, I went gladly to Carlow on the following 
day (Saturday), and preached in my old church, morning 
and evening of the Sabbath. It was cheering to see a 
full church at both services. The little flock suffered 
much since I left, but there is now the appearance of 
prosperity. May it be long and real. After coming to 
Dublin on Monday, I returned to my home — the new 
house built at Windsor. I came to it on the last day of 
my seventy-second year, having lived in Howard Street 



360 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN". 



over forty years. How short my time may and must be 
in this house ! Lord, fill it and fill me with Thy presence. 
It is a quiet retreat, and I need it. Let not my residence 
here be any injury to Thy work entrusted to me. If a 
little farther from the people, may I be so much nearer 
to Thee. I dedicate myself and my family and my house 
to Thee. God, wilt Thou accept them in Christ ? 

July 1st. — A great affliction has fallen upon us this 
week in the death of Mr. MAlister, one of the ministers 
of Armagh, and Convener of the Assembly's Sustentation 
Committee. He has been throughout all his ministry, of 
more than thirty years, a truly godly man, a devoted 
pastor, and a most zealous labourer for all our missions, 
and the advancement of religion at home and abroad. 
But his special work, and that with which his memory 
shall be long associated, is the sustentation of the ministry, 
especially in weak congregations. A few years ago, he 
became greatly interested on behalf of his brethren in 
poor circumstances. He laboured to procure for them 
some increased support. Great difficulties and many dis- 
couragements were in his way. The Assembly was slow 
to listen to his appeals. They were felt by some to be 
"irksome, but he persevered. Through good report and 
bad report he kept to his chosen work of pleading for his 
poor brethren. At length, as Convener of the Sustenta- 
tion Fund, he got his right position. He maintained it 
well and successfully. God owned him, and the Church 
honoured him. If blamed at all, it was for over zeal. 
At the height of his triumph he was suddenly stricken by 
the hand of death, exhausted by his toils. I have been 
requested by his family and the elders to preach his 
funeral sermon. 

July 31st. — This day I have had solemn warning in 
the providence of God. Having been suffering from bad 



FATAL ILLNESS. 



361 



breathing, I wrote to an old friend, Dr. Wm. Thompson, 
of Lisburn, and asked him to meet me, and give me his 
advice. He came to-day, and examined me very care- 
fully. He thinks I am labouring under angina pectoris, 
which is a very serious disease. I may, therefore, soon 
die in, or of it. This knowledge may and ought to in- 
fluence greatly the remainder of my life. Lord, " teach 
me so to number my days, that I may apply my heart 
unto wisdom." This wisdom is the knowledge of Christ. 
I desire to say, and do say, with the apostle — " I count 
all things but loss for -the excellency of the knowledge of 
Christ Jesus, my Lord ; and do count them but dung, 
that I may win Christ and be found in Him, not having 
mine own righteousness, but that which is through the 
faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by 
faith." In this alone can I appear before God. In that 
I can and do stand. I expect to die soon, and this is my 
only hope — to be " accepted in the Beloved." How shall 
I best spend the time that remains to me ? I will begin 
and read through the Word of God, if spared to do so, 
in the prospect of death, and purpose, God helping me, 
to live in future as a dying man. May this be apparent 
in all my ways and works. 

September 23rd. — I have just returned from the 
funeral of my friend and elder, John Lytle. He died 
suddenly at Ilkley, in Yorkshire, England, of disease of 
the heart. He has been connected with Fisherwick Place 
for more than forty years, and a blessing and honour to 
it all that time. He was about sixteen years old when 
he came to us from Garvagh, in County Deny. At once 
he began with the Sabbath-schools, became a member 
of the church, and was ordained an elder in 1847. He 
was richly endowed^ intellectually and socially — calm, 
thoughtful, gentle, ' firm, benevolent, wise, upright ; he 



362 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



was successful in the world — loved and honoured by all. 
He was a true man, Christian, citizen, patriot, and friend 
of the human family. 

March 30th, 1872. — I have been occupied a good part 
of this week in reading the first volume of Hodge's 
' 'Systematic Theology." It is a book of great ability, and 
of perfect soundness in the faith, as that is understood and 
interpreted by the Westminster Standards. Yet I have 
seldom read any book with the same amount of painful 
feelings. All subjects are treated controversially. The 
author states the .views of errorists and then sets them 
aside successfully. The arguments of the Pantheists and 
all that are kindred to them, are given at length and 
answered. Was all this necessary ? Is it good for young 
men to have these views so largely put into their minds, 
even though triumphantly refuted ? I have grave doubts 
about this manner of teaching. I felt my own mind most 
uncomfortably exercised, and think a class might be more 
profitably trained by John Newton's plan, of filling the 
bushel with wheat, so that there would be no room for 
the chaff. Chaff indeed is the teaching of these philo- 
sophers. 

May 19 th, Sabbath forenoon. — I am alone in my own 
house, all my family gone to Fisherwick Place for public 
worship. In my solitude I unite in worship with my 
beloved flock. Lord, be with them and with me. This 
is the fourth Sabbath of absence for me. Thank God, I 
have almost never been absent before, in a ministry of 
fifty- two years, being never hindered by sickness, save 
when I had fever at two different times. I will now give 
the period of worship to the reading and meditation of 
the Epistle to the Galatians. Lord, help me in this exer- 
cise. Be with my dear brother as he preaches in public, 
and with the beloved people waiting on his word, and 



DEATH OF CHARLES THOMPSON FINLAY. 363 



with me, separated from them in body, but very near to 
them in spirit. Blessed be God, while He is in His holy 
sanctuary He is not confined to temples made with hands. 
Of this may I have now sweet experience, while I com- 
mune with Him in the epistle selected to guide my de- 
votions. 

I have read the epistle through. How plain it makes 
the way of salvation ! Paul illustrates it by his own 
history — his illumination by the Spirit, and consequent 
conversion through the knowledge of Christ. His expe- 
rience enabled him to teach others how they were to be 
saved — not by the law, but by grace — all of grace : justi- 
fying, sanctifying, preserving, glorifying. Lord, hast Thou 
not so taught me also ? 

June 1st. — Yesterday we heard of the death of my be- 
loved grandson, Charles Thompson Finlay, which occurred 
at a quarter before eleven o'clock on the previous night, 
the 30th of May, in his twenty-first year. Lately 1 had 
several conversations with him, since his return from 
Blarney. He spoke well, and gave good signs of a 
gracious state of mind. A fortnight ago we had a very 
full and free conference. He expected to die, and was 
more than satisfied. He was happy in Jesus. His ex- 
periences and exercises largely resembled those of his dear 
brother James, who died more than a year ago. He was 
manifestly fully ripe for heaven. 

June 29th. — In the present infirm state of my health, 
it has been occurring to me that I should prepare a fare- 
well address to my congregation, and leave it among my 
papers to be read after my death. I have made some 
progress with the preparation of such a document, believing 
that it might be useful, and especially so, if read after my 
departure. Lord, wilt Thou direct and determine my 
course in this matter ? What a serious thing it is, that 



364 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



the congregation should be kept up, after my decease, to 
bear its part in the work of Christ as it has done hitherto. 
And on the other hand, it would be a matter for much 
regret if it were to fall off in its efforts. Yet my excellent 
colleague could not be expected' to have the influence that 
so long a ministry as mine has secured for maintaining it 
in its present enlarged contributions. Might I not leave 
something behind me that would be helpful to him, and 
serve as a stimulant to them. A voice from the grave, 
and, as I believe it would be, from heaven, might be heard 
with much power and profit. I leave myself in this 
thing at the Lord's disposal. I am resolved to prepare 
such a document, and then leave it in the Lord's hand, 
to be disposed of as His providence may direct when I 
am dead. Lord, I commend it all to Thee. Do with me 
as Thou wilt. 

July 6th. — I have completed my proposed address to 
my congregation, intended to be used by them after my 
death, and have laid it up among other papers, that will 
be found by my family when I am taken from them. I 
have reason to think this may be soon. My weakuess 
and suffering increase rapidly — I might say daily. For- 
merly, I suffered only at night, and was pretty free dur- 
ing the day ; but now I am distressed both day and 
night. I feel myself very incapable of any effort, mental 
or bodily. I am thankful I had my proposed address 
finished before I became so exhausted as I now am. I 
sit long doing nothing, hardly even thinking. Sickness 
is not the time to begin the religious life. It would be 
well to have it matured before the hour of trial comes. 

August 17th. — How shall I record the sad bereave- 
ment with which it has pleased God to visit us, in the 
death of our deeply-beloved Maria, who was taken from 
us on the 13th inst., very unexpectedly. She was univer- 



DEATH OF MARIA CAES OK 



365 



sally loved, and esteemed, and trusted. Her death has 
caused a great sensation in the public mind. She was 
born, our youngest child, on the 29th of May, 1835. A 
more lovely woman could scarcely he found, in the union 
of bodily and mental graces. What a blank it leaves that 
we have her with us no more ! but our re -union is secure. 
She is only gone before, and that for a little season. Her 
mother and father are now old, and may speedily be with 
her. Lord, through Thy grace we wait for this glory. 

October 6th. — I am brought very low. My weakness 
is great in the body, and the mind must be affected accord- 
ingly. May I have reason and grace to say — " When I 
am weak, then I am strong." This is the time for me to 
trust in God, and the time for Him to glorify Himself in 
sustaining me. He has done so in all my past life, and 
I am sure He will not leave me now. Lord, enable 
me to remember Thy word — " According to your faith be 
it unto you." Strengthen my faith. As my body weakens 
may my soul be strengthened. Amen. 

March 6th, 1873. — During last night, waking and 
sleeping, my thoughts were greatly occupied with 2 Tim. 
i. 12 — " I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded 
that He is able to keep that which I have committed 
unto Him against that day." I was trying to prepare 
my own funeral sermon upon it, and to be assured of the 
ground on which I was resting all my hopes. Amid 
much confusion, these words were ever coming to my 
memory — " whom, what, and when." 1st. Whom? "I 
know whom I have believed." Jesus personally. A good 
Saviour. " Able to save to the uttermost." God our 
Saviour. This is a sure rock for refuge and rest and 
safety. 2nd. What ? For what could and did I trust 
in Him ? "To keep that which I had committed unto 
Him." My soul. I had given it to Him ; He could and 



366 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



would keep it ; persuaded of this ; no doubt ; the promise 
sure. 3rd. When? "Against that day." All the 
solemn time coming ; life with its trials and duties, death 
with its pains and perils, judgment with its solemn issues, 
and eternity through all its length and breadth. So the 
night passed, and I hardly know whether I was asleep or 
awake. But I was conscious of safety. There can be no 
deception here. My death may be near and sudden. 
" My heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord." Let me hear 
1 John ii. 27 — " The anointing which ye have received of 
Him abideth in you." Abideth. 

July 20th. — My health so infirm, this journal is in- 
terrupted — for the present. 

This is the last entry contained in Dr. Morgan's journal, 
written in a hand almost illegible. He was not permitted 
to resume it. Eemoved to higher occupations, where 
weeks and years are no more the measure of existence, 
on the 5th of August, 1873, he obeyed the Master's sum- 
mons, and entered into the joy of his Lord. 

Probably Goldsmith's description of a good pastor has 
seldom found a truer example than in him : — 

" Thus to relieve the wretched was his pride, 

And e'en his failings lean'd to virtue's side ; 

But in his duty prompt at every call, 

He watched and wept — he prayed and felt for all ; 

And, as a bird each fond endearment tries 

To tempt its new-fledged offspring to the skies, 

He tried each art, reproved each dull delay, 

Allured to brighter worlds, and led the way." 



APPENDIX. 



367 



APPENDIX. 



ADDRESS 

PRESENTED TO THE REV. DR. MORGAN, BY THE CONGREGATION OF 
FISHERWICK PLACE, BELFAST, ON THE OCCASION OF THE FIFTIETH 
ANNIVERSARY OF HIS MINISTRY. 



To the Rev. James Morgan, D.D., Senior Minister of the Presbyterian 
Congregation, Fisherwick Place, Belfast. 

DEAELY-BELOYED PASTOE — In the name of the Session 
and Congregation of Fisherwick Place, we address yon nnder 
the impnlse of very mingled feelings. Our congratulations on the 
happy appointment of a co-pastor and successor in your ministry 
are associated with the anticipation of your partial retirement 
from active pastoral labour. But this thought, while involving 
deep regrets, brings up bright and blessed memories, stretching 
over half-a-century of most eventful years. It will be remem- 
bered that when the congregation of Carlow was formed, as 
among the first-fruits of the Home Mission, you were selected 
and ordained in 1820 as its pastor. Some of us have interesting 
recollections of how the young pastor of Lisburn's praise was in 
the churches, and many more remember your felicitous entrance 
on your public ministrations in this church, the prosperity of 
which, as a new congregation, was a problem, and of the solution 
of which it pleased God to make you an honoured instrument. 
We can record, not only with high pleasure, but with devout 
gratitude to the King of Zion, our vivid recollections of your 
uniformly eloquent and edifying pulpit services. 

We recall, with deep interest, the facts of your happy instru- 
mentality in the introduction among us of congregational Sabbath- 



368 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



schools, and of your powerful co-operation with mighty men, now 
gone to the Upper Sanctuary, in maintaining the Church's testi- 
mony to truth. We are aware, too, that many pupils trained in 
your church and Sabbath-school are to be found in the most 
distant colonies, writing home their testimonies to the sanctified 
instruction they imbibed here, and " shining as lights in the 
world" around them. We cannot forget the noble part you often 
took in the great work of Church Extension, knowing how many 
of the new and now nourishing churches of Belfast and other 
places were raised largely through your zealous influence in 
originating or aiding the work. You were among the first to 
embrace the principle and adopt the practice of temperance refor- 
mation. Your speech in the special meeting of the General 
Assembly, convened at Cookstown in September, 1844, moved, 
as your subsequent efforts mightily impelled, the power which 
originated one Presbyterian College ; and this eventuated in the 
formation of a second, and doubtless stimulated the Government 
of the day in carrying out their contemplated scheme of forming 
the Queen's Colleges in 1848. 

It is not enough to say we ever found you one of the truest 
and soundest friends of our Home, Foreign, Colonial, Continental, 
and Jewish Missions — we must add that you were among the 
most prominent in their origination, and that the missionaries 
who bore the burden of the early days of the Foreign Mission in 
particular, have often and warmly testified to the generous sym- 
pathy and wise practical counsels that breathed through your 
uninterrupted epistolary correspondence, and to your enlightened 
zeal in doing all that the Church's liberality enabled you to effect 
for sustaining and working the machinery of the mission ; and 
we sympathise in your joy at the results developed from year to 
year. To this, also, we must add that we have found you equally 
ready in lending aid to the opening China Mission. The impetus 
given by your ministry to the enlarged generosity of the Church, 
as is well known, merits our warm acknowledgments. Turning 
to your pastoral labours, we recall to memory some of the fruits 
of your pulpit services — your successive volumes of expository 
and practical instruction, and spirited and well-digested articles 
in our serials, from the day of the Orthodox Presbyterian — the 



APPENDIX. 



369 



morning star of cheap periodicals — to those of the present time. 
By these, your biblical learning, and sound embodiment of the 
results of the most true and sober criticism, will remain with us, 
when your voice, like " the daughters of music," may, in the 
course of advancing age, be brought low, and ultimately heard 
no more among the living. 

Your fiftieth year of pastoral labour ! Oh ! what a time to 
our Church, and to sister Churches, has been the half-century 
thus elapsed; and what stirring memories are awoke by this 
jubilee ! As we meet you here in the midst of your flock, still 
blessed with much remaining health and vigour, both intellectual 
and corporeal, our thoughts travel back over the patient labours 
you so long sustained ; your indefatigable and systematic visita- 
tions from house to house ; the intimate .and endearing know- 
ledge of the people; and your warm-hearted faithfulness in 
instructing and consoling the sick and sorrowing ; and in show- 
ing to the dying " the Way, and the Truth, and the Life." 

Surely the part which God has enabled you to perform 
during this long period, may well teach your juniors a lesson of 
what man, faithfully using the talents given him in his Master's 
employment, may be made the instrument of doing. In speaking 
thus we desire to avoid the language of panegyric ; and, cluster- 
ing round you with affectionate hearts, we glorify God for the 
good accomplished ; and pray that this jubilee of your ministry 
may yet be succeeded by a lengthened senior pastorate, with 
strength and light to edify the congregation, still eager to drink 
in your words of " truth spoken in love." 

Signed, on behalf of the Congregation, 

JOHN LYTLE, Session Clerk. 
WILLIAM L. FINLAY, Secretary. 

17th March, 1870. 



EEPLY. 

My Beloved Friends, — Your affectionate and too partial 
Address calls up before me my whole ministerial life of fifty years. 
You remind me of Carlo w, where I began my public work in 
2 B 



370 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



1820. It was a new and untried field — very barren and un- 
promising, yet well fitted to train and exercise my youthful 
efforts. When I wished to buy a Bible, I found there was not 
one to be sold in a town of ten thousand inhabitants. This led 
to the formation of the Bible Society in it, which proved to be 
the centre of a revival of religion in the town, and throughout 
the country. I bless the Providence that ordered my beginning 
there, and greatly influenced my whole future life. From Car- 
low I was called to Lisburn, and found myself in a large Presby- 
terian district, strongly contrasting every way with that which 
I had left. It was a new school, in which God was pleased to 
teach me many lessons which I had not learned before. Thence I 
came to Belfast — having spent between four and five years in each 
of my two previous settlements — and here my life-work may be 
said to have been begun. 

The Belfast of that day was very different from what it 
is now. There was not a congregational Sabbath-school, or a 
congregational school-house in it. The first erected was in 
Fisherwick Place, the next in May Street, then at the Parish 
Church, and at the Eoman Catholic Chapel in Donegal! 
Street. Now, a church without a school-house would be ac- 
counted an anomaly. In those days there was no Church Exten- 
sion, and no missionary spirit worthy of the name. No church 
was built in Belfast, by the Synod of Ulster, for a hundred years 
before the erection of that in Fisherwick Place, with the ex- 
ception of one in Donegall Street, which arose out of peculiar 
circumstances, and yet within that century the population had 
grown from 15,000 to 40,000. There was no missionary organisa- 
tion such as now exists. Some feeble signs of it were appear- 
ing in the visits of a few ministers to the South and West, and 
the location of one or two in those districts, but the missionary 
spirit was weak, and its efforts small. Yet the time for its 
development was come. God breathed upon the dry bones, and 
they began to move and live. An auxiliary to the Synod's 
Home Mission was formed in Fisherwick Place, and many others 
followed. The Home Mission was succeeded by the Foreign, the 
Foreign by the Jewish, the Jewish by the Colonial, the Colo- 
nial by the Continental ; and thus the missionary equipment of 



APPENDIX. 



371 



the Church may be said to be complete. But has not the Church 
itself suffered by this extension of its sympathy and labours 
to others — to all nations ? The very reverse. As it laboured 
for others, it has grown stronger itself. It has been blessed in 
the very measure in which it has become a blessing. Its zeal for 
other lands and other people has culminated in the grand and 
noble efforts of the present hour to create a Sustentation Fund 
for the Home Ministry, which promises to place it in a position 
of independence and efficiency such as it never before enjoyed. 
And what I thus say of the Church at large, I am bound to 
say, in the present Address, of the congregation of Fisherwick 
Place in particular. You have encouraged, and sustained, and 
stimulated your minister in all his endeavours to advance the 
cause of Christ at home and abroad. Our largest congregations, 
as a rule, have been those which assembled on the days ap- 
pointed for our missionary collections. The reasons that might 
have been held sufficient to justify your absence at other times, 
were not allowed to prevent your presence when an appeal was to 
be made on behalf of some public cause in your own land or else- 
where. To this spirit I trace, under the blessing of God, the many 
favours we have ourselves enjoyed. The ministration of the 
Word has been uninterrupted. In a period of more than forty 
years, I have not been more than a few Sabbaths hindered by 
the want of health from occupying my accustomed place. Our 
pea ce has been unbroken. There was never one congregational 
misunderstanding. Our finances have been prosperous. We 
began with a heavy debt of between three and four thousand 
pounds, and it has been all removed years ago. At our com- 
mencement we had only the bare church, and it was not even 
enclosed, but God spared and prospered us, so that we were 
enabled to add our school-house and manse, and all the other 
buildings necessary to our comfort, and convenience, and useful- 
ness. The very ground on which our church and its accompany- 
ing buildings stand came into the market, and we were able to 
purchase it, and now stand clear of even a rent-charge. By the 
wise and good conduct of those who have had the guidance of 
our affairs, "we owe no man anything." Our ecclesiastical ar- 
rangements and provisions may be said to be complete — in our 



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LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



church, and school-house, and library, and elders, and deacons, 
and every other appointment necessary for the work which God 
has given us to do. Our large church is all occupied, and has 
been so for many years. There has been no abatement in its 
attendance, notwithstanding the increase of churches around it. 
Within the circfe of the town and its suburbs from which our 
congregation was at first gathered, there have been twenty-seven 
churches built since its erection. To all these we have contri- 
buted many members, but their places were at once supplied. 
We gave cheerfully to others, sometimes of the best men we had, 
yet the Lord so ordered it that nothing was lost to the cause of 
God in the midst of us. And have we not this day fresh and 
abundant evidence that God has not forsaken us ? I felt the 
burden of years growing upon me, and I could not do for you all 
that I desired. I asked you to give me help, and you were willing 
to do it, but we did not know where to find it. But we " looked 
unto the Lord and were lightened." We met in prayer, and asked 
the Lord to show us whom He had chosen. He led us by a way 
we knew not. A minister, of whom we had not before heard, in 
another land, was unexpectedly commended to our attention. 
Others among ourselves were considered suitable. We met in 
conference, and had the free and full expression of one another's 
views. We examined the Word of God, and saw it was our duty, 
in coming to a decision, to regard the majority of those entitled 
to a vote as an expression of the will of God. There was some 
diversity of judgment, but there was unanimity of purpose — a 
purpose to hear, in the voice of the majority, the voice of God, 
saying, " This is he whom I have chosen." In obedience to this 
voice we called Mr. Williamson unanimously. God inclined 
his heart to accept our call. His brethren, to whom he was sub- 
ject, did not resist his conviction of duty, but agreed to release 
him. Thus he has come to us, and we have met to bid him wel- 
come, in the name of our Lord and Master — the King and Head 
of Zion. 

Ever your affectionate Pastor, 

JAMES MOEGAK 

Belfast, 17th March, 1870. 



APPENDIX. 



273 



The following is a reply to a letter of sympathy and 
condolence sent during Dr. Morgan's last illness, by the 
Young Men's Society, in connexion with the Fisherwick 
Place Church, Belfast. It is addressed to the President, 
Mr. Eobert Carson ; the Vice-President, Mr John Charle- 
ton ; the Treasurer, Mr. Samuel M'Connell ; and the 
Secretary, Mr. Andrew Johnston : — 

Windsor, Belfast, 16th May, 1873. 

My dear young Friends, — 

I thank you heartily for your kind and affectionate 
letter of sympathy. I cannot reply to it as I would desire to do, 
for I am very weak. But one thing I must say, suggested by 
your reference to my lengthened ministry, — God put me into it, 
and kept me in it, and bore with me for fifty-three years ; and 
were He to give me a like term over again, and my choice how 
to spend it, I would choose the course He chose for me, and live 
the same life over again. But as that cannot be, I now praise 
Him that " He counted me faithful, putting me into the minis- 
try;" and if it has been in any way useful to you and others, I 
give Him the glory. I could do nothing, but He could do much 
by me. Especially if I were made useful to young men, I con- 
sider it a great honour and privilege. I die, and they live to 
perpetuate my labours. This is what I ask you now to do. 
Hold fast the truth as you have been taught to exemplify it in 
your lives ; teach it to others as you have opportunity ; and may 
you and I be able at last to appear before God with joy, saying 
— Here are we, and those whom Thou hast given us. 

Ever affectionately yours, 

JAMES MORGAN". 



374 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR MORGAN. 



A DYING PASTOR'S COUNSELS. 

A FEW LAST WORDS TO THE BELOVED FLOCK IN FISHERWICK PLACE, 
BY THEIR FIRST MINISTER.* 

VEEY DEAE BBETHEEN — I believe that I am soon to 
leave you, by dying, and I have a strong desire to say a 
few words to you before our final separation in this world. God 
has given me a long, and happy, and outwardly prosperous 
ministry among you, and before it is in His providence con- 
cluded, I feel impelled to express my feelings towards you. I 
die happy. The Gospel which I have preached to you has been 
my support and consolation in the prospect of death. When I 
came to you forty-four years ago, "I determined not to know 
anything among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified :" and 
my own experience has proved this doctrine to be " the power 
of God and the wisdom of God unto salvation." I have found it 
so in my life, and now eminently so as I stand on the brink of 
the grave. It meets all my necessities, and secures the pardon 
of my sin, the acceptance of my person, the renewal of my soul 
in righteousness, and my admission through grace into glory. I 
am " complete in Christ " and in Him only. I have never done 
anything on which I could rely for acceptance with God and the 
enjoyment of His favour. I can neither rely upon blamelessness 
of life, nor diligence in labour, nor devotedness to the ministry 
committed to me, nor upon any success granted to me in it. I 
die as I lived, saying, " Jesus only," and I hope and expect to 
draw my last breath singing the old song, " Bless the Lord, O my 
soul — who forgiveth all thine iniquities ; who healeth all thy 
diseases ; who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; who crown- 
eth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies." 

Let me commend this Gospel to you, to each and to all. 
Without it, no one can be saved — with it, anyone may have 
* This was found in manuscript among Dr. Morgan's papers after his decease. 



APPENDIX. 



375 



ternal life. Learn to say — " I count all things but loss, that I 
may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own 
righteousness — but the righteousness which is of God by faith." 
Never rest until you are enabled to say of Jesus and His salva- 
tion — " He of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, 
and sanctification, and redemption." Be conscious that He 
is your "wisdom" — assured that thus you have been made 
"wise unto salvation;" that He is your "righteousness" — 
being united to Him by faith, so that what He suffered and did, 
you are accounted to have suffered and done ; that He is " your 
sanctification" — He dwelling in you by His Spirit, and you 
dwelling in Him by grace ; and that He is " your redemption" — 
delivering you now from sin, engaged to deliver you from death, 
and to receive you at last to be partakers of His, glory. Salvation 
is the present attainment of all who truly and really believe in 
Jesus. They are saved. Of all such, J esus says — " I give unto 
them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any 
one pluck them out of my hand." It is not enough to be hearers 
of the Word, or professors of its truth, or observers of its ordi- 
nances, it must dwell in us richly in wisdom and understanding, 
and so bring forth fruit in us unto life eternal. Let me entreat 
every professing member of the congregation of Fisherwick Place 
to judge himself in the light of the apostolic counsel — " examine 
yourselves whether ye be in the faith, prove your own selves, 
know ,ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you, 
except ye be reprobates." 

Surely it ought to be felt that this duty is all the more urgent, 
when it is considered that the ministration of this precious 
gospel is still continued to you. In the providence of God I 
became unable to serve you as in former years, and was con- 
strained to request the appointment of a colleague. Such an 
event is critical. There might have been diversities of opinion, 
and distraction might have arisen in your counsels ; but God 
gave you to be of one mind, and you agreed to make choice of 
him who would be selected by a lawful majority. Even when 
you had formed this purpose, you might have been disappointed 
in the object of your choice. But from such evils as these God 
graciously delivered you. He sent a stranger among you, whom 



376 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



none of us had known — God inclined you towards him, and when 
you called him, he was disposed to come to you. He has now 
given good proof of the efficiency of his ministry. It is sound, and 
able, and profitable. The truth as it is in Jesus is preached fully 
and successfully, and there is good reason to expect that pros- 
perity shall be continued in our loved sanctuary. In these 
circumstances it is well to consider wherein prosperity consists. 
It is not in anything that is merely external — not in crowded 
congregations merely, nor in their approval, or admiration, nor 
even in their unity, and peace, and generosity. All these are good 
and necessary, and will be found where prosperity is real ; but 
they are simply the fruits of a deeper and more heart-felt and 
spiritual work. 

The real success of the ministry may be said to be comprised 
in two things, conversion of souls, and their edification. The true 
minister aims first of all at the conversion of his hearers. He 
adopts the sentiment of Christ expressed to Nicodemus, and so 
strongly uttered — " Except a man be born again he cannot see the 
kingdom of God " — -except he be born of the Spirit he cannot 
enter into it. He speaks to man as Paul did when he said — 
" of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you." 
Till that end is gained, the first great object of the Christian 
ministry is not accomplished. It must be till the end as it was 
on the day of Pentecost, when souls were awakened, and quick- 
ened, and renewed, and saved. The conversion of nominal 
Christians is needed now as much as that of Jewish professors 
was needed then. The question for the preacher and the hearer, 
when the success of the ministry is considered, is, How many 
souls have been added to the Lord? How many, under the 
Word, " have passed from darkness to light, from death to life, 
and from the power of Satan unto God " ? How many have en- 
tered the kingdom of grace upon earth, as the prelude to their 
entrance into the kingdom of glory in heaven ? But even this 
success is not the final end of the ministry ; for conversion is to 
be followed by growing, and constant, and increasing edification. 
In conversion the soul is united to Christ, and in edification it is 
more and more conformed to Him. The ministry, therefore, con- 
templates the hearer in all the relations, and duties, and difficul- 



APPENDIX. 



377 



ties of the present life. It is to serve for instruction, and warning, 
and reproof, and enconragement. Parents and children, hus- 
bands and wives, masters and servants, must have a word in 
season. Personal, and private, and social, and public duties, 
must all have their place. " Who, then, is sufficient for these 
things ? " What minister is competent for such a work ? How 
shall he be helped in it by those to whom he has been sent ? The 
responsibility is mutual. They are to be fellow-helpers and fel- 
low-labourers in the work of saving souls. This is the bond of 
their connexion. Between you and me it has existed for nigh 
half a century. I shall soon be withdrawn from it, and my be- 
loved colleague will be left alone. Let me earnestly ask your 
sympathy and help for him in his work — a work which is in 
many respects yours as well and as much as his ; and bear with 
me in a few suggestions touching the various ways in which the 
ministry, as it shall be exercised among you, may be strength- 
ened, and made serviceable and effectual. 

Pray for your minister. Let this be your daily habit. Re- 
member how Paul said to one of the early Churches — " Brethren, 
pray for us" — and judge how important the duty, so earnestly 
desired by an inspired apostle, must be. Pray for your minister 
that he may have the gifts and the graces necessary to the faith- 
ful and successful discharge of the duties laid upon him ; that 
he may have health — bodily, mental, and spiritual ; that he may 
have wisdom and grace to employ it all in the one work of saving 
souls ; that he may be preserved from temptation, or enabled to 
overcome it ; that he may acquit himself as a man of God in all 
the relations of life ; that he may be helped by the Spirit in his 
private studies and public labours ; that he may be directed and 
governed in all his intercourse with the people, those of his own 
charge and others ; and that he may be in all respects a workman 
that needeth not to be ashamed, serving his generation by the 
will of God. Think of him, and of what he needs, and ask God 
to give it to him. Do not complain of him, but intercede for 
him. Such a habit will be good for you as well as for him. It 
will render his services more profitable to yourselves. A praying 
people make a preaching and powerful pastor. A prayeiiess 
hearer makes an unprofitable one. Remember how the hands of 



378 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



Moses were held up by his brethren, and do you likewise by the 
minister whom God has given to you. 

While you thus pray to G-od for him, be consistent, and care- 
ful to show kindness to him. Do not allow him to feel himself 
neglected. Be sure his temporal wants are supplied, and that 
he is not exposed to the temptation of turning aside to undue 
ways of meeting his necessities. It will greatly help his minis- 
try if he has it put into his power to be helpful to the necessitous, 
as he is called to visit them. I have had some experience in this 
way. For years of my ministry, one member of Fisherwick 
Place gave me annually £50, to use for him as I judged best in 
ministering to the wants of the needy. At first I declined to be 
his almoner, if his bounty was to be distributed to clamant beg- 
gars, for I have no confidence in such charity, and believe it to 
be hurtful rather than serviceable. I believe in the adage — " If 
any man will not work, neither should he eat." But I was ready 
to act for him where I saw honest poverty struggling hard against 
difficulties, as in the case of the widow who "did what she 
could," the sick sempstress who, unable to work, has lost her 
employment for a season, and the numberless similar cases that 
are ever found in the path of the house-going minister who is at 
pains to know the circumstances of many silent sufferers. My 
friend, who thus made my path for years easy among the well- 
conducted, who were overtaken by adversity through no fault of 
theirs, but in the exercise of a wise and sovereign Providence, 
has died before me ; but I remember him tenderly, not merely as 
my friend, but that of many who never knew him nor the source 
from which their wants were often supplied. How many might 
imitate him, by enabling their ministers to act as he put it into 
my power to do ! His charity was a secret which none but my- 
self knew. He did good to many, and was a great help to myself 
and to my ministry, often making my path plain where other- 
wise I would have been in perplexity. I mention this case now, 
as the party concerned is not among us, and his example may be 
a lesson to others. 

And this naturally suggests another topic, on which it may 
be profitable to say a few words — your congregational finance. 
Much of your prosperity, every way, spiritually as well as tern- 



APPENDIX. 



379 



porally, is dependent upon it. Here yon have many wise coun- 
sellors, and the question is worthy of all their sound discretion. 
I venture to make only one remark upon it — this, namely, that 
you should have a distinct and well-defined source of congrega- 
tional income, on which you can reckon, and which is not subject 
to fitful variations. You have your seat-rents, a just and equit- 
able assessment in your circumstances, to be continued until an 
enlarged generosity shall say it is unnecessary, inasmuch as all 
shall hear and acknowledge the Word of God, saying, the " gold 
and the silver are mine," and shall be ready to pour out their 
treasures for whatever His cause requires. At the same time, be 
careful to keep up the present arrangement of free seats, for such 
as may choose to occupy them, or be unable to pay for them. 
None must be excluded for any reason. But besides this assess- 
ment, the free-will offerings at the church doors ought to be care- 
fully considered and cultivated. The practice is eminently 
scriptural. It was practised in the Jewish temple, and attracted 
the notice of Christ when He sat with His disciples in the trea- 
sury, and observed the worshippers as they passed through it 
into the temple, and expressed His commendation of the poor 
widow who gave her farthing, saying, " she hath cast in more 
than they all, for it was all she had." It is the same practice 
which David celebrates in one of his Psalms, when he says, 
" bring an offering and come into His courts." And it accords 
with the apostolic rule, " upon the first day of the week let every 
one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that 
there be no gatherings when I come." Our contributions should 
be weekly, considerate, and persevering, a fair expression of our 
prosperity through the week. Nothing more simple than this 
principle of congregational finance could be conceived, yet it is 
sufficient. Were it acted upon, the word would soon be heard 
again — " the people bring more than enough." It would keep 
the exchequer of the church ever full. Suppose a weak and poor 
congregation, consisting of a hundred hearers, each giving a 
penny in the week as the Lord's offering, and you realise yearly 
between twenty and thirty pounds sterling. What would be the 
result in large and rich congregations ? What might Fisherwick 
Place contribute ? Many could give a shilling weekly, as many 



380 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



could present their sixpence, more still their fourpence, and two- 
pence, and penny. Were this done, what a treasure would be 
accumulated. God has shown us the way, oh that there was 
given to us the spirit to walk in it ! It would make the whole 
subject of finance easy. Congregations would be relieved of 
debts, and a tide of pecuniary prosperity would flow into them. 
How wise is the Bible finance ! Our embarrassments arise from 
the neglect of it. It is in harmony with the whole Word of God 
— its doctrines, and precepts, and ordinances. Simplicity and 
sufficiency characterise them all. In comparison, how shal- 
low the devices of diplomatists and statesmen, and all the wise 
men of the world ! Let Fisherwick Place congregation consider 
what I say. You are in a position to set an example. You may 
be as " a city set on a hill," of which others shall take notice, 
and do as you do. This is one of Christ's chosen figures, when 
He tells us what His Church should be and do. Would it not 
be a noble thing to come up fully to His counsel and require- 
ment ? Act according to it, and you shall realise the rich pro- 
mises given by His great prophet — " Then shall thy light break 
forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily 
— and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of 
water whose waters fail not " — so far as finance is concerned. 

There is one class in particular, on whom it is my earnest 
counsel that these views of the duty of the Church should be 
carefully impressed — the young, the children of the congregation. 
They should be trained up in them, and early led to adopt and 
act upon them. For this purpose many opportunities are given 
by a gracious Providence. The first and best is the family. 
Parents should be careful to teach their children the lessons of 
the Divine Word on such subjects, and put it into their power 
to obey them. Let them entrust them with the means required 
to do so, and see that they learn cheerfully to do it. The habit 
thus formed in youth, may then be expected to continue through 
life. The Sabbath-school also should be employed for the same 
purpose. This is, happily, a great auxiliary now to the family. 
The best parents do well to take advantage of it in the reli- 
gious education of their children. It is among the best insti- 
tutes of the age, and should be universally used. The gathering 



APPENDIX. 



381 



of the young together, their instruction by competent teachers 
bent on their salvation, the sympathies thus produced and 
exercised, and all the associations arising out of them, have 
conspired to make the Sabbath -school one of the mightiest 
agencies in the land. They are the right hand of the Church, 
and should be so used as well for the benefit of the teachers 
as the taught. Let them be so accounted of and employed. 
They are not to supersede the special duty of either the parent 
or the minister, but they are a blessed helper to both. Let 
the Scriptures and the Shorter Catechism be their text-books, 
and as these are understood and obeyed, so will there be in the 
Church a mature, and intelligent, and serviceable membership. 
Nor is there any reason why the day-school also, especially the 
congregational day-school, should not be turned to the same 
account. The influence of giving, as well as of receiving 
religious instruction is good — good for the teachers as well 
as for the taught. Let the school, therefore, be ever an object 
of much interest to the Church. If the former is neglected 
or overlooked by the latter, a great power for good is lost. 
Many Church associations are good — as special meetings of ladies 
for specific purposes, and of young men for mutual counsel, and 
co-operation, and improvement — but the daily school is more 
constant, and radical, and universal, and ' influential, than most 
others, and should receive proportionate attention and care. In 
all these forms of attention to the young and rising generation, 
let me indulge the hope that Fisherwick Place shall be found 
faithful and efficient. 

In proportion as it shall be so, there will be a preparedness 
for still wider spheres of usefulness. Jesus says to His people, 
" Ye are the light of the world." The Church owes a dutiful 
service to the world. It is to be a light to instruct it, and as salt 
to preserve it. Every congregation should, therefore, be a centre 
of happy and holy influence to all around about it. It should 
ever hold itself ready to contribute to every institute that is 
fitted to be useful within its neighbourhood. It should give a 
helping hand to the various plans of usefulness devised and 
maintained for the temporal interests of the community. Public 
schools, hospitals for the sick, refuges for the poor and aged, 



382 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



benevolent societies — everything calculated to reduce human 
sorrow and increase the well-being of others — these, and all the 
plans of well-doing similar to them, are entitled to the con- 
sideration and generosity of the Church. Let them be given 
without grudging. Jesus had compassion on the bodies as well 
as the souls of men, and His people should have the same. In 
everything, let Him be the model. His Spirit should prevail, 
and His practice should be followed in the Church. The inscrip- 
tion should be seen, legibly written upon it, " Ye are the epistle 
of Christ, known and read of all men." And what a view this 
gives us of the obligation of the Church to the world ! What 
did Christ do for it ? He gave Himself. And he requires us to 
copy His example. He cared for all, and was indifferent to none. 
All people shared His sympathies, and He would have them to 
be saved. He made provision for all, and it is His will that all 
should have the benefits of His Gospel. Hence, among the last 
words He uttered on earth, before His ascension to heaven, He 
left the command — " Go ye into all the world, and preach the 
Gospel to every creature, and lo ! I am with you alway, even 
unto the end of the world," " All the world" — every creature in 
all the world — " to the end of the world " — these are the limits of 
His last commission to the Church. Alas ! how unfaithful has 
the Church been in the execution of it ! After eighteen hundred 
years, only a small fraction of the world has heard of the in- 
heritance He bequeathed for the good of all. The Gospel has 
not been preached to the world. The only attempt to do so was 
in the early days of the apostles. "They went everywhere 
preaching the Word." They did so under difficulties, greater 
than now exist. They had few facilities of travel, and we have 
many. Providence has opened the way to the world, and has 
thus laid fresh obligations on the Church to go and take posses- 
sion of all nations for Christ. The prophecy has been fulfilled : — 
"Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill 
shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and 
the rough places plain, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, 
and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord hath 
spoken it." Is not this a description of the railway of our 
times ? Shall we not use it for a purpose so sacred ? Surely 



APPENDIX. 



383 



God intends it to be, among other things, a highway to the 
heathen. It is meant for commerce and civilization, and brings 
countless benefits to the human family, and all these will be 
enhanced as it is used for religion also. It has already greatly 
advanced the cause of missions. "Many run to and fro, and 
knowledge is increased" in the earth. Old fields are better 
occupied, and new ones are opened. Our own Irish Presbyterian 
Church is getting into a firmer missionary attitude. Its plans 
are more matured, and its labours are increasingly effective. 
Let me ask you to consider them carefully, that you may be en- 
couraged to help them unceasingly. I trust you will not only 
continue to foster them, but enlarge your contributions. I bless 
the Lord for the change which I have lived to witness. When I 
became a minister, it could scarcely be said our Church had any 
established mission, understood and approved and worked with 
the sympathy of the people. There were some signs of a coming 
change. We were receiving deputies from other churches, and 
doing a little service by helping to sustain their agencies. But 
how different it is now. We have our own missions in various 
forms, in which they ought to be prosecuted. It is one of my 
pleasantest reflections, in the close of my ministry, that I have been 
permitted to have had some share in the many plans by which 
our Church is now endeavouring to serve in the missionary field. 
I have seen the action and reaction of home missions on foreign, 
and of foreign missions on home, and they have not hindered but 
helped one another. As I have thought upon the change, and 
anticipated my own speedy removal, I could almost say, " Lord, 
now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes 
have seen Thy salvation, a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the 
glory of Thy people Israel." In the prospect of death, I beseech 
your continued adherence to the missionary labours of the 
Church. And to stimulate you in doing so, let me briefly remind 
you what they are, and what may be said of each of them. 

They began with increased attention to our own wants. The 
town of Belfast furnishes an example. A hundred years inter- 
vened between the erection of the church in Eosemary Street 
and that in Fisherwick Place. Within that period the population 
grew from 15,000 to 40,000. Yet the Synod of Ulster, the 



384 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



principal Presbyterian body, in all that time, added no church 
with the exception of a very small one that arose out of personal 
and peculiar circumstances. But the building of Fisherwick 
Place proved to be auspicious. Since 1827 twenty-eight 
churches have been built within the district from which the con- 
gregation of Fisherwick Place was then gathered. A like spirit has 
sprung up elsewhere, and prevailed everywhere throughout the 
bounds of the Church. The revival of religion showed itself in 
the extension of the churches. Let this spirit continue. It is 
needed now as much as before. The increase of population calls 
for a corresponding increase of churches. The want is still great. 
Ten ought to be added without delay. I lay this charge upon 
you, to provide for the religious instruction of the people of 
Belfast. If this be neglected the results will be serious. Are 
there not successful merchants who might each build one church 
at his own expense ? What a privilege a man of God, to whom 
God has given the means, should count it, to raise a structure 
that would endure, for the salvation of souls and the glory of 
God ! May many such be raised up in His adorable providence, 
and then this work shall be done ! 

Contemporaneous with the spirit of church extension, there 
soon appeared an increased interest in the religious interests of 
our Presbyterian people who were in providence scattered over all 
the land. Many had settled in the South and West of Ireland. 
Deputations were sent to search them out, and provide them 
with means of instruction. I was sent, on obtaining license to 
preach, to the town of Carlow, and was ordained there in 1820, 
and remained four years. Other places were in like manner 
visited, and the work grew and increased. The residence of our 
people in the Southern and Western districts seemed to be a 
providential call to the Church to send ministers who might 
eventually be heard by the whole population. This was the 
origin of our Home Mission. It contemplated the proclamation 
of the Gospel to our scattered Presbyterians and all others who 
might be reached through them. It is now a work of great ex- 
tent. Many congregations have been established ; stations have 
been opened for the preaching of the Word, and schools for the 
instruction of the young ; and a well-arranged agency has been 



APPENDIX. 



385 



organised for the spread of the Gospel in its purity throughout 
the length and breadth of the land. The obligation of sustaining 
such an agency is great. Our Church neglected it too long. 
How humiliating to think that we have been more than 
two hundred years in the country, and done so little for it ! 
What would be thought, and said, and done, if six hundred 
missionaries had been sent to a small heathen island, and if, after 
two hundred and more years, the mass of the population were 
still found in their native darkness and sin ? Would it not be 
counted a reproach, and would it not be held that such a mission 
was unworthy of support ? Yes this is our case. To our Church 
it might be said, "Thou art the man." Let it not be so any 
longer. Go in and possess the land. Strengthen and enlarge the 
Home Mission, until by the Divine blessing it shall be said — 
Ireland has been won for Christ. 

But while the claim of our native land has been felt, it should 
not be the limit of the Church's zeal. Once embarked in the 
missionary work, this was early felt, and the Home Mission was 
the precursor of the Foreign. The cry was heard from the 
heathen, " Come over and help us." As the Apostles began in 
Judea, and thence went far off to the. Gentiles, so did we imitate 
their example. A field was chosen in India, a mission was begun, 
and it has been steadily maintained and prospered. It has now 
five hundred adherents, three Christian villages, and two literary 
institutes for the training of missionaries and teachers. China 
has recently been visited, and, it is hoped, may be permanently 
occupied. Your congregational support of this mission has been 
generous and encouraging. Never forsake it, nor grow indifferent 
to it. The day of your contribution to it has uniformly been 
marked by a red letter in the history of the congregation. Let 
the future prove that this has arisen, not from any occasional 
excitement, but from an enlightened and sanctified principle of 
missionary zeal. 

One year after the establishment of the Foreign Mission, the 
Assembly entered the Jewish field. The adoption of the Foreign 
was the first public action of the union of the Synod of Ulster 
and the Secession Church in Ireland, and the Jewish Mission 
was the first-born of the zeal elicited by the beginning of the 
2 C 



386 



LIFE AND TIMES OP DR. MORGAN. 



Foreign. The ancient people of God have special claims on the 
Christian Church, which has entered into their inheritance, and 
they should be cheerfully acknowledged. They are a peculiar 
people, and they need and deserve a peculiar treatment. God 
Himself asks it for them, and has promised His blessing to all 
who shall render it, saying, "They shall prosper that love thee." 
Our Church has done well in owning the claim of Israel 
hitherto ; let it persevere in doing so, and verily it shall have its 
reward. 

Nor must we overlook another form into which Providence 
has directed our missionary labour. Many of our people have 
become emigrants to other lands. They have been made, like 
Abraham, colonists among strangers. To such an extent has this 
dispersion gone, that it was counted a duty to have a special 
mission on their behalf. In far-off homes centres of usefulness 
have been found. Much good is done to the emigrant and his 
house, and through them to their adopted country. In our 
Colonial Mission, many a bright light is struck out in surround- 
ing darkness, and the promise made to Abraham is still fulfilled 
— " Thou shalt be a blessing — and in thee shall the families of 
the earth be blessed." 

So also may it be said of the Continental Mission. What a 
door God has opened in the nations of Europe ! The Man of 
Sin had closed them against the entrance of the truth, but the 
Lord has broken his power, and set the people free. This is true 
of Spain, and Austria, and Italy, and France, and more or less 
of all the kingdoms of the Continent. This is, therefore, the time 
to enter into them, and claim them for Emmanuel. We are 
doing this in a small measure, and helping others, like the Wal- 
denses, to do it better than we can. The time is critical, let the 
opportunity not be lost, but everywhere let the cry be lifted up — 
" Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation." 

Such is the Missionary attitude of our Church. Just as we 
maintain it God is saying to us — " ye are My witnesses." We 
begin at home, but we do not stay at home. We preach the 
Gospel to our people, among whom we dwell, and we send forth 
our messengers to carry it to the ends of the earth. We try to 
say with the Psalmist — " God be merciful unto us, and bless us, 



APPENDIX. 



387 



and cause His face to shine upon us, that Thy way may be 
known on the earth, Thy saving health among all nations." We 
adopt the forms of labour that are suited to the work to be done 
— for our congregations at home — our countrymen about us — the 
heathen abroad — the dispersed of Israel wherever they may be 
found — our brethren in the Colonies of Britain — and all to 
whom there is access in the emancipated nations of Europe. 
In so acting, are we not pursuing the path that Providence 
indicates ? Is it not the right, and reasonable, and wise course, 
of which God is saying to us — " This is the way, walk ye 
in it " ? I speak as unto wise men, judge ye what I say ! 
What less, what otherwise, could a church, if it will act with 
fidelity to its mission, do ? Does not God require all this 
agency at our hand ? This being assumed, the question to be 
considered is, how shall we attain unto it ? How shall we be 
qualified and enabled to discharge the duty that is laid upon 
us ? We may neglect it, but we shall be held accountable for it. 
It must be admitted that we are bound to sustain all the agency 
that has been described. Our congregations must make con- 
science of upholding this work. They must universally, cheer- 
fully, generously contribute of their substance whatever is 
required to do it. With their substance they must give their 
sincere and earnest prayers. Mere work will not suffice. Unless 
God build the house, they labour in vain that build it. " Praying 
and working" must be the motto. When the disciples prayed, 
"the place where they were assembled was shaken," — so, as the 
Churches pray, God will shake the nations. Two things, in 
particular, let me press on your attention, as essential, and with 
them conclude this, my last address to you — the character of the 
ministry of the Church as you should desire and endeavour to 
have it, and the character of the membership of the Church as 
that should be constituted and maintained. 

The ministry of the Church. "The husbandman must be 
first partaker of the fruits." He who dispenses the bread of life 
must himself be a partaker of it. But as the minister must be a 
man of God, it is the duty of the Church to do all it can to keep 
temptation out of his way, and give him facilities for his work. 
One of these is to keep him from worldly and pecuniary difficul- 



388 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



ties. He that serves at the altar should live by the altar. This is 
acknowledged among us now in our Sustentation Fund. You 
have done well in presenting an annual offering to it of £1,000. 
I trust you will never come short in this duty. Let every 
minister have not merely a competence, but opportunity and 
means to cultivate his own mind for the benefit of his people. 
He should have books in abundance, and these are expensive. 
Every congregation should have not merely a library for itself, 
but one specially adapted to the use of the minister. Otherwise 
he cannot obey the Apostolic counsel — " give attendance to read- 
ing." As you value your own edification, see to that of your 
minister. I have been greatly helped in this respect by a mem- 
ber of Fisherwick Place, who for years placed £10 at my disposal 
annually, to be expended on such literature as I might consider 
it was necessary for me to provide. I believe the whole con- 
gregation more or less reaped the benefit. For such a purpose 
let the Sustentation Fund be well sustained, as one method of 
serving all our congregations. 

So much for the ministry of the Church, and now a closing 
word on its membership. " He is not a Jew who is one outwardly, 
neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh, but he 
is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the 
heart, in the spirit and not in the letter ; whose praise is not of 
men, but of God." None but a converted man is really a mem- 
ber of the Church of Christ. " Except a man be born of the 
Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God " — into His 
Church here or hereafter. The true minister says with Paul — 
" My little children, of whom I travail in birth again, until Christ 
be formed in you." The ministry is a failure so far as it is not 
the means of a new birth in the souls of those who sit under it. 
How many may there be in Fisherwick Place who have under- 
gone this blessed regeneration ? How many do I leave who have 
never become the subjects of it ? God knoweth, and the day of 
judgment will declare it. There you and I shall meet, and 
severally render to God an account of our intercourse — I of my 
fidelity in declaring to you that truth, and you of your reception 
of it, and obedience to it. Oh ! that I could truly say, "Ye know 
how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have 



APPENDIX. 



389 



showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to 
house, testifying repentance toward G-od and faith toward our 
Lord Jesus Christ." However I may have been faithful or un- 
faithful in bearing such a testimony during my lengthened 
ministry, let me close it now by pressing on you these two 
blessed graces, repentance and faith. You are sinners, and Jesus 
is the Saviour. Under conviction of sin carry it to Him. Con- 
fess it, and be sure it is taken away. " Neither is there salvation 
in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given 
among men whereby we must be saved." " How shall we escape 
if we neglect so great salvation." 

With these last words, I bid you Farewell ! I bless God who 
put me into the ministry, and permitted me so long to continue 
in it — some years over half-a-century, and with the exception of 
less than nine of these elsewhere, all the remaining years with 
you. I adore the Providence that enabled me so continuously 
to prosecute my loved labours, so that they were almost never 
interrupted. I magnify the grace that kept me all my public 
life, so that, however feeble or unprofitable my labours may have 
been, I was never left, by an outward transgression, to dishonour 
my ministry. From the beginning of the temperance cause in the 
land I was led to espouse it, and to it I set my last seal as good 
for the ministers of religion specially. I thank you for bearing 
with me in all that I had to say on this and other themes. I 
acknowledge the great kindness you have ever shown to me. 
And more, I ask you to make sure that we shall meet again in 
another and a better world. Oh ! that we might all meet there ! 
But we must none of us forget there is an essential meetness 
necessary for it. We must be prepared for its exercises. The 
love of Jesus is an indispensable qualification for its joys. 
Heaven is the home of the redeemed, who alone can sing its 
songs. We learn to rehearse them on earth, and we shall be 
rejoiced to resume them in heaven, and sing them for evermore. 
Whoever cannot sing them will not find a place there. And this 
is their substance — "Unto Him that loved us, and washed us 
from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and 
priests unto God and His Father ; to Him be glory and dominion 
for ever and ever. Amen." He loved us, though sinners; He 



390 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN". 



shed his blood for us, we cost Him His life ; He washed us in 
that blood, it cleanseth from all sin ; out of that laver we came 
as kings conquering our sins, and as priests worshipping God ; 
and in the songs of victory we shall praise ''Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost for ever." Amen. 

Your affectionate friend and pastor, 

JAMES MORGAK 



ADDRESS BY THE EEY. DR. W. D. KILLEN 

AT DR MORGAN'S GRAYE. 

As one of the oldest ministerial friends of the deceased, I 
have been requested to say a few words on this solemn occasion. 
I feel deeply the responsibility of the position I thus occupy. My 
words will be few ; may they be well ordered ! This is no time 
for hollow eulogies ; and, were I to indulge in them, I would 
sadly forget the discretion of the wise and good man who is gone. 
But there are certain facts connected with his history which may 
this day be profitably called to our recollection. My acquaint- 
ance with Dr. Morgan commenced upwards of forty-seven years 
ago. He was introduced to public life as minister of Carlow, 
and was afterwards minister of Lisburn. I met him first at the 
Synod of Ulster assembled at Ballymena in the year 1826. I 
was then a student for the ministry, nearly ready for license ; 
and well do I recollect how much I was struck by his appear- 
ance. Well do I remember the impression produced upon me by 
his calm demeanour, by his saintly learning, by his gracious 
words. I never before had seen such a specimen of a Christian 
pastor. And his whole life has sustained that impression. He 
has now been connected with the capital of Ulster about forty- 
five years, and meanwhile what untold blessings has he conferred 
on young and old, on rich and poor, on candidates for the 
ministry, on widows and orphans, on the congregation over which 
he presided, on the Church to which he belonged, on the town of 
his habitation, and on the world around him. I believe he has 



APPENDIX. 



3.91 



done more than any man of his age to elevate the tone of religious 
sentiment in Belfast and throughout the whole Province of 
Ulster. He was one of the earliest and most earnest promoters 
of our Home Mission as well as of our Town Mission. We all 
know he was the father and the founder of our Foreign Mission. 
And the position which that mission now occupies may be 
mainly attributed to his laborious and persevering exertions. 
The Church has been delighted and edified, year after year, by 
the large contributions of his people to the funds of the Foreign 
Mission ; and the people of Fisherwick Place have thus stimu- 
lated a spirit of benevolence all over the Church. And he took 
an interest in all our missions. I am able to testify as to the 
services he rendered to our Presbyterian College. He did as 
much, if not more, than any single individual to raise the funds 
required for the erection of the college buildings. More recently 
he took a deep interest in the Sustentation scheme. He felt its 
importance : and from the very first his church has stood at the 
head of our congregations in its contributions to it, and has thus 
borne emphatic testimony to his zeal and influence. When he 
commenced his ministry he was a very delicate man. I myself 
remember when he was spitting blood ; and many of his friends 
anticipated for him a very short pastoral career. But he was 
careful of his health. He considered it a gift of God for which 
he was accountable. He was very regular in his habits and tem- 
perate in all things. He was one of the earliest members of the 
Ulster Temperance Society. And thus, in the providence of God, 
he has been spared to a good old age, and has gone down to the 
grave full of years and of honours. Dr. Morgan has left behind 
him a congregation collected by his own exertions — one of the 
largest in Ireland — thoroughly organised, and furnished with an 
excellent staff of deacons and elders. He has lived to see it com- 
mitted to the care of a minister after his own heart. He has left 
his beloved Foreign Mission under the management of a convener 
whom he delighted to honour. Dr. Morgan was a man of prayer. 
Everyone who came in contact with him must have felt that he 
lived very near to God. He recognised the providence of God in 
everything. He was of an eminently devout spirit. And he was a 
laborious minister. He was instant in season and out of season. 



392 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



And why was it he was so successful in his work ? He con- 
sidered that prayer and perseverance could overcome obstacles 
otherwise insurmountable. And he was singularly systematic. 
He never was in a hurry, or appeared to be pressed with a 
multitude of engagements : for he acted on the principle that 
there was a time for everything : and when the appointed hour 
came round, he was ready for the appointed duty. Thus it is he 
has accomplished so much and done it so well. Dr. Morgan was a 
faithful minister of Jesus Christ. Many living can bear testi- 
mony to his faithful advice, to his faithful warnings, to his 
faithful admonitions. And his word was with power : for all to 
whom he addressed himself felt the weight of his character. 
And I need not say Dr. Morgan was a man of peace. He hated 
contention, and followed peace with all men. When the storms 
of discussion rose high in the meetings of Assembly, his calm, 
clear voice was often heard endeavouring to soothe the spirits of 
the disputants, and counselling conciliation and forbearance. I 
may add that his spirit was eminently catholic. Some of 
his brethren, indeed, thought he had too little about him of 
sectarianism. During the last conversation I enjoyed with him 
the name of the late Dr. Doyle, the well-known Eoman Catholic 
bishop, was mentioned. Dr. Morgan was acquainted with him 
during his ministry in Carlow. He said — "Dr. Doyle was a 
good man ; he was a Eoman Catholic bishop, but I believe he 
was a servant of Jesus Christ." He felt the value of sound 
doctrine, but he loved all who loved the Saviour, and delighted 
to recognise in good men of every denomination the lineaments 
of His own Divine Master. He was truly a son of the Holy 
Catholic Church. He will go in and out among us no more ; and 
well may we say this day, "Help, Lord, for the godly man 
ceaseth ; for the faithful fail from among the children of men." 
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has had ministers of more 
extensive learning, of a higher stamp of original genius, more 
famous as preachers, and more brilliant as orators ; but, so far as 
I know, it has never had a man who exhibited more of the spirit 
and character of Jesus Christ — so far as I know, it has never had 
a man who has rendered it more important or substantial service. 
Doubtless the words have been addressed to him, "Well done, good 



APPENDIX. 



393 



and faithful servant ; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord," May it 
be ours to follow him as far as he folloAved the Saviour ; and, 
when we have completed our course, may it be said of us, as it 
may truly be said of him who has gone, " Mark the perfect man, 
and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." 



ADDRESS BY THE REV. DR. KNOX 

IN THE BELFAST PRESBYTERY. 

The Rev. Dr. Knox said that he thought it was the duty of 
the Presbytery, before they proceeded to their ordinary business, 
to take notice of a blank which was in their roll that morning. 
He expected that some brethren would have been present to take 
the position to which they were justly entitled in expressing the 
mind of the Presbytery with regard to the death of Dr. Morgan, 
but he found, on looking round the court, that, except his friend 
the clerk, he (Dr. Knox) was longer a member of that Presbytery 
than any brother present. That was not the only opportunity 
they would have of expressing their feelings with regard to the 
event ; but at their first meeting, although the event was so 
recent, it became them to refer to it. He thought they might 
truly say that morning that a great man had fallen in Israel. It 
was not his purpose to compare their venerable father just taken 
from them with any of his contemporaries, but in some respeGts it 
had long been his (Dr. Knox's) conviction that Dr. Morgan was the 
greatest man God ever raised up and bestowed on the Presbyterian 
Church in Ireland ; not in regard to his genius or his imperial 
intellect or profound learning, or stirring eloquence, for they had 
had men who stood taller and were greater in all those respects 
than James Morgan ; but in some respects, and especially in his 
intense, entire, unswerving devotion to the one great work en- 
trusted to him by his Master, he stood peerless, in his (Dr. 
Knox's) memory and judgment. He had been an observer of 
the Church's history now for thirty years, and he thought there 
was no man who, in Ulster and its capital, exercised such a 
grand and spiritual influence as Dr. Morgan. He remembered, 



394 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



when very young, sitting on the knee of one of the ministers of 
the old Synod of Ulster, and hearing from Mr. James Morgan 
an address in connexion with Mr. Fisher, now of London, being 
set apart as a missionary to the West of Ireland, and, although a 
mere lad at the time, there was such a fervour and such a moral 
power in the address it never left his memory. When a student, 
he frequently went to hear Dr. Morgan, and in comparing 
him with other men — he had this memory now more than 
thirty years ago, that while he went away from the services 
of other men, great and mighty, thinking of them and their 
powers, he always left Fisherwick Place thinking of himself. 
And one of the features of Dr. Morgan's influence for which the 
Church had ground for lasting gratitude to God was that exer- 
cised over the young men who were looking forward to the 
ministry, and who were receiving their education in Belfast. 
They could not estimate the power of that man's influence in 
coming into contact with their students of divinity for more than 
forty years. A very large portion of the present ministers of the 
General Assembly sat more or less at his feet, and must have 
been more or less influenced by his faithful and powerful teach- 
ing. But there was another light in which he would like to 
view the influence of their dear father now gone, and that was, 
that the men who, in point of fact, were for the last fifty years 
the makers of Belfast, and the men who, during that half century, 
had been the leaders and great pillars of every movement con- 
nected with their Church, in the social and moral interests of 
Belfast, were the men who sat under the preaching of James 
Morgan, and whose religious character was trained and moulded 
by him. He had often thought, especially of late years, that 
Dr. Morgan did more for Belfast, even as regarded its material 
position and advancement, than any man that ever lived in it — ■ 
simply because of the seeds of truth, and virtue, and integrity 
which he sowed in the hearts of the men that had been the 
builders up of the city, and that gave the best tone to its 
society. He referred to men like the Mulhollands and the 
Sinclairs — fathers and sons, and the M'Clures, and the Thomp- 
sons, and the Bristows — of two generations, and he would 
take the liberty of mentioning, even in the presence of their 



APPENDIX. 



395 



present Moderator, the Shaws — many brothers of them — and 
the Corrys, and the Finlays, and*the Lytles, father and sons, 
and the M'Neills, and the Carsons, and, above all, John Getty. 
But time would fail to tell of all the men of integrity and high 
principle, who were eminent for their religious character, and 
whose life, example, and labours had been mainly instrumental 
in raising up Belfast to its present high position, and in giving a 
tone to its religious life and moral character, and he believed 
that under God they owed that largely to the faithful, earnest 
teaching of the pulpit of Fisherwick Place, the spotless and con- 
sistent life of James Morgan, and the profound sagacity of his 
counsel in the families of these men. Within his (Dr. Knox's) 
memory, there had not been a movement, in the capital of Ulster 
or the Presbyterian Church, of the right kind, over which they 
could rejoice, that had told for good, and for which they blessed 
God, with which that venerable man was not more or less con- 
nected. But Dr. Morgan had left to the Church and to his 
brethren in the ministry the richest legacy of all in his character 
and in his life. He had shown them what a man of ordinary 
capacity might accomplish, in his day and generation, by the con- 
secration of his powers to the one thing, and by the undivided 
energy with which he constantly devoted himself to the work of 
the Lord Jesus Christ, in Fisherwick Place, and in Belfast. Dr. 
Morgan had left them a legacy rich and fragrant in the holiness 
of his life and the piety of his spirit. He (Dr. Knox) trusted 
that God would bless that visitation to the whole Church, and 
especially to their ministers. The last of the three mighty men 
of whom they had often spoken had on the previous day gone to 
rest in Jesus, as had been beautifully expressed by the minister 
of that congregation. And now he (Dr. Knox) looked round, and, 
with tremulous anxiety, asked who was to lift the standard that 
had dropped from the hands of James Morgan ? They rejoiced 
that in the providence of God they had got for his pulpit a suc- 
cessor worthy to fill his place. Mr. Williamson was untried yet 
in regard to his influence and power over the Church at large ; 
but he had received such an impression of Mr. Williamson as to 
believe that he would prove a worthy successor to the great man 
who was gone. In regard to the position which Dr. Morgan 



396 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



occupied outside the pulpit, where would they get a mau to take 
his place ? He (Dr. Knox) had been associated with him per- 
sonally, as one of the secretaries of the Town Mission, for more 
than twenty years, and he would like that day, in the presence 
of the public, and in the presence of his brethren, to express how 
much he owed, in his inexperience, to the sagacity and fatherly 
kindness of their dear departed friend, in conducting the affairs 
of that great mission. Dr. Morgan's name was a tower of strength, 
his blessed memory was fragrant, and his works would long sur- 
vive him. Though dead, he yet spoke to them. He (Dr. 'Knox) 
would like them all to learn this lesson, that they should begin 
to work for the Master as they never did before. God spared 
Dr. Morgan to a ripe old age, and he was not called to lay aside 
his armour till his body was ripe for the grave, and his soul ripe 
for glory. None of them could tell how long they might be 
spared. Few of them could hope to be five-and-fifty years in 
the pulpit ; and, therefore, they should work while it is yet day, 
knowing that the night cometh when no man could work. Dr. 
Morgan worked to the last. In one of the periodicals for August 
they had a beautiful commentary from him on one of the Psalms 
of David. That showed how his heart was in his work. He did 
not labour in any perfunctory way. When he was not able to 
go to the church, he was labouring in the closet or at the desk. 
He hoped the memory of the good man who was gone would be 
sanctified to the whole Church. The remarks which he (Dr. 
Knox) had made were entirely spontaneous. He expected some 
fathers and brethren would be there ; but, as they were not pre- 
sent, he accepted the responsibility of calling the attention of his 
brethren to that solemn Providence. He now begged to move 
that a committee be appointed to draw up a minute in reference 
to Dr. Morgan's death, and that a letter be sent to the afflicted 
relatives. 

The Rev. Dr. Glasgow said that, after what had been so well 
said by Dr. Knox, he felt that it was not necessary that he should 
occupy the time of the Court at any length ; indeed, if he were 
to attempt to do so, his feelings would overcome him ; and, there- 
fore, he would just content himself by seconding the motion. 



APPENDIX. 



397 



EXTEACT FEOM SERMON 

BY THE EEY. H. M. WILLIAMSON. 

On Lord's Day, August 10th, 1873, Mr. Williamson preached in the 
Ulster Hall to the Fisherwick Place congregation, from the text — 
" Go thou thy way till the end be : for thou shalt rest and stand 
in thy lot at the end of the days." — Daniel xii. 13. At the 
conclusion, he thus referred to the departed minister of the 
congregation : — 

Again that voice of God hath been heard releasing from all 
his labours, and dismissing to his eternal rest, in the bosom of 
Jesus, a Father in Israel — him whose removal from the Church 
below we all this day unfeignedly mourn. Of him — of the grace 
of God bestowed on him — of the fruits of that grace, manifested 
in his life before God, and his labours in the cause of God and 
Humanity, what shall I say ? I am not here to make a funeral 
oration — I would not presume to pronounce an eulogium upon 
James Morgan in an assembly of Presbyterians, in the centre of 
his life-long labours, and, least of all, to you, among whom and 
for whom he laboured, and in whose hearts and minds shall 
linger, while life lasts, hallowed memories of Divine messages 
falling from his lips — of pastoral intercourse and Christian fellow- 
ship. I desire, rather, as comparatively a stranger, to enjoy the 
privilege of adding a stone to the Heap-of-witness to his worth, 
testifying by this act my profound esteem for him as a servant 
of Jesus Christ, and also my gratitude for all the brotherly love 
and thoughtful kindness he manifested towards me since we 
became associated in the ministry of this congregation. Perhaps, 
also, a stranger's eye may have marked some peculiar features of 
his moral character which may have escaped your observation, 
or, if observed, have ceased to be marked from very familiarity. 

(1) Let me note, first, his humility. There was about him a 
delightful absence of self-consciousness, a gracious forgetfulness 



398 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



of self, wrought in him, not by an effort to suppress the rising of 
pride and self-pleasing, but rather by having the mind filled with 
a Presence, before which he felt the nothingness of the creature, 
and yet the confidence of a child. In his intercourse with men 
of the world there was no Pharasaism ; among his brethren no 
spirit of self-assertion. He seemed unconscious of any claims 
founded upon age or experience, upon talents or position. With 
a child-like simplicity, as pure as powerful, he walked among 
men, commanding a submission which, while willingly given, 
could neither be denied nor explained. 

(2) I notice, next, his kindness and sympathy. This he felt 
and manifested towards the whole human race. He could, with 
a true and full sympathy, enter equally into the case of the poor 
widow in her lonely garret, of the rich man in some crushing 
disaster, and of the youth in his early struggles. Even in 
cases where he was compelled to denounce pride and folly, and 
condemn vice and evil, he was able with unaffected kindness 
to treat the erring courteously, and sympathise with the weakest 
sighings and efforts after deliverance. Much more with the 
children of G-od of every name, and especially with the families 
of this flock, to whom he has so long ministered, his power of 
sympathy was great. What visions of home life must be rising 
before many of you — pictures of joy and sorrow in which his 
loved figure is always prominent! In the darkened chamber, 
in the season of suffering, his kindly voice was ever heard, and 
his sweet smile always fell with healing and cheering light. 
How unwearied in his efforts to comfort, how thoughtful in his 
attention in the homes into which death had entered ! He was 
able, above most men, to rejoice with them that rejoice, and to 
weep with them that weep. 

(3) I notice next in order his singleness of aim. He was, in 
a profound sense, a man of one idea. Early called to know the 
Lord, his spiritual change was marked and decided. Henceforth 
he could say, as few could say, " To me, to live is Christ." Christ 
was his living principle, by which his soul lived and lived unto 
God — Christ his moving motive, Christ his guiding rule, Christ 
his last end. With the infirmities which are inseparable from a 
human life while dwelling in the earthly house of this tabernacle 



APPENDIX. 



399 



— with the waxings and waitings known to all who live the life 
of faith, yet with a persistence and a uniformity truly wonderful, 
his enemies, if he had any, being judges — " for him to live was 
Christ." A favourite text with him, from the very beginning of 
his ministry till its close, is that recorded in Eomans x. 4 — 
" Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that 
believeth" — a text very expressive of his life and effort. Ac- 
cordingly, as, indeed, was manifest to all, his one work was the 
ministry of reconciliation. From this he was never allured, and 
from it he never allowed himself to be driven. To all pastimes 
and pursuits which might seem tending to withdraw him from 
his one work he was ready to say, as a minister of Jesus Christ, 
" I am engaged in a great work, and I cannot come down." Others 
might think it duty to occupy much of their time in questions, 
social and political, which might seem to have a bearing upon 
the Church and cause of Christ. He would admit the greatness 
of some of these questions, but dare not turn aside from that 
high work — the work of his life — the ministry of the Gospel. 
Others might have leisure to cultivate the arts, to turn aside into 
the pleasant paths of literature, doubtless often with the purpose 
of elevating and Christianising it, and so causing it to be a hand- 
maid to the Gospel ; but in his ears the Master's cry was ever 
loud and clear — " Go thou and preach the Gospel." Others might 
wrangle and wrestle for ecclesiastical pre-eminence, supposing 
that their usefulness was increased by such elevation. Before 
him all seemed as nothing in comparison with the glory of Christ 
in the salvation of souls. He clearly saw, moreover, that true 
usefulness in the vineyard depends rather upon communion with 
Jesus and prayerful effort in the one work of the ministry. 

In connexion with this, I shall take the liberty of saying, if 
there be one lesson more than another which we, his brothers in 
the ministry, may learn from the life of this servant of God, it is 
surely this — the duty, the privilege, and the glory of giving our- 
selves ivholly to the ministry of the Word, of placing it distinctly 
and continually before us ; that, separating ourselves from all 
things not only inconsistent with, but beside this one work, we 
should give ourselves wholly to it, making it our one effort and 
our single aim — even the glory of Christ in the salvation of men. 



400 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



No man ever had wider and deeper sympathies with every effort 
that tended to elevate men morally and socially. But, while 
such works seemed good and great, he knew a work greater still 
— the source of them all ; — a work demanding all his time, and 
thoughts, and energy of body and mind — namely, the ministry 
of the Gospel. To that one work he devoted his life and all the 
energies and powers of his body and soul, and that always. And 
say how sublime the spectacle, for upwards of fifty years, this 
man daily, constantly, earnestly prosecuting this one work from 
love to that dear Lord who had bought him with His own blood ! 

In relation to this work of his life I must not omit to notice 
a very unusual combination and blending of effort. On the one 
hand, it might be said that he lived for Fisherwick Place con- 
gregation. It seemed to engross all his thoughts, and prayers, 
and efforts ; it seemed as if within the circumference of the con- 
gregation lay the whole field of his aspirations — the whole labour 
of his life. While, on the other hand, his love and loving efforts 
embraced the whole world. His thoughts and sympathies, his 
plans and purposes, were occupied with the evangelisation of the 
entire human family, as if he had no particular sphere of labour. 
It was sometimes a question with those who knew him best 
whether Fisherwick Place congregation or the Foreign Missions 
lay nearest his heart. He lived and laboured for the congrega- 
tion as if it comprised the whole human race, while he embraced 
in love, prayed and pleaded for with God and men, the whole 
human family as if it was his individual congregation. One 
could invoke no larger or better blessing upon the ministry of 
our Church than this — that we might all be baptized with the 
same spirit, so that under its power we might live with holy 
devotedness to the one work of the ministry, combining holy and 
loving effort for the individual souls of the flocks over whom we 
are placed, with loving aspirations and self-denying effort for the 
conversion of the whole family of man. 

But I must forbear, and desist from detaining you with those 
desultory and disjointed sentences. A meet eulogy upon your 
departed pastor must be left to others. As I am not qualified 
for the work, so I have no intention of attempting it. I join 
with you rather in praising God for His rich gift to this congre- 



APPENDIX. 



401 



gation and the Church of God, and in deploring our great loss in 
his removal. He is not, for God took him. He is gone to the 
mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense until the day 
breaks and the shadows flee away. No more shall we behold the 
well-known form ; no more shall we listen to his wise counsels, 
and receive the kindly smile, and hear the familiar greeting. He 
bore the burden and heat of the day. He toiled until the evening, 
when, at length weary, by reason of the weakness of the flesh, he 
heard with a glad heart the Master calling and saying — " Arise, 
my fair one, and come away." Overheard to utter it, in one of 
his last days, as he closed the Word of God, " I thank Thee for 
Thy holy Word, but I would rather have Thyself ; " his aspira- 
tion was answered, Jesus saying unto him, " Be it unto thee even 
as thou wilt ; come up hither." " Go thy way," James Morgan, 
a good minister of Jesus Christ. God has given many mighty 
men, men of renown, to the Church of our fathers, who did 
valiantly for the truth, and thou wert not a whit behind the very 
chiefest of them in faithful, loving, useful service. " Go thou 
thy way till the end be, for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot 
at the end of the days." 

" Servant of God, well done ! 

Eest from thy loved employ ; 
The battle's fought, the victory won, 

Enter thy Master's joy. 

" The pains of death are past ; 

Labour and sorrows cease ; 
And, life's long warfare closed at last, 

His soul is found in peace. 

" Soldier of Christ, well done ! 

Praise be thy new employ ; 
And, while eternal ages run, 

Eest in thy Saviour's joy." 



MINUTE OF THE PEESBYTEEY OF BELFAST. 

" It is with deep regret that the Presbytery have heard of the 
death of their venerable and beloved father, the Eev. James 
Morgan, D.D., minister of Fisherwick Place Church. While bow- 
2 D 



402 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



ing with humble submission to the will of Him who gives and 
takes away, they desire to place on record their high estimate of his 
great worth and usefulness, their gratitude to God for his gifts and 
eminent services, and their deep sense of the loss which this 
Presbytery and the Church have sustained by his removal. His 
careful and prayerful preparation for the pulpit, his earnestness 
and popularity as a preacher, his systematic and unwearied atten- 
tion to the families and members of his flock, his consistent, holy 
walk and conversation, and his truly valuable and eminently 
practical publications, greatly contributed to the advancement of 
the cause of God, not only in his own congregation and the town 
in which he lived and laboured, but throughout the entire Church. 
Largely imbued with the missionary spirit of his great Lord and 
Master, he took a deep interest in all the missions of the Church, 
more especially in originating and cherishing her Foreign Mission, 
of which, from its commencement till his death, he was the able 
and efficient Secretary. Being full of missionary zeal, he was 
eminently successful in infusing the same spirit into his people, 
and in cultivating it so as to make his congregation a model for 
the whole Church in its liberal contributions to the cause of God. 
In Church Extension, the education of the young, temperance, 
and all the evangelistic operations of the Assembly, he took a 
deep and active interest, and, by his sound judgment and wise 
and prudent counsel, rendered incalculable service. Kind and 
courteous in his manner, calm and placid in his disposition, 
always moving in the atmosphere of the higher Christian life, he 
was beloved and respected by all, and, throughout a long, active, 
and laborious ministry, wielded a powerful influence for good. 
They rejoice that, after having served his generation, by the will 
of God he fell asleep at a good old age, in the full assurance of 
eternal life through Jesus Christ, whose will it had ever been his 
meat and drink to do ; and they request the Moderator to address 
to Mrs. Morgan and the family a letter of condolence, conveying 
to them their sympathy, and the esteem and affection in which 
the memory of their departed father is held by this Presbytery." 



APPENDIX. 



403 



MINUTE OF THE ASSEMBLY'S BOAED OF MISSIONS. 

" That the Board have heard, with very deep regret, of the 
death of the Eev. Dr. Morgan, to whom, under God, the Foreign 
Mission of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland mainly owes its 
origin and its prosperity ; that they record their profound and 
grateful sense of the wisdom, prudence, and zeal with which, for 
more than thirty years, he acted as its Convener, ever manifesting 
the most paternal interest in the work and welfare of the mis- 
sionaries, strong faith in the success of the cause and kingdom 
of Christ in India, and great practical sagacity in the management 
of all the arrangements and details of the mission. They bear 
their testimony to the system, regularity, and brotherly love with 
which he conducted the correspondence with the missionaries — 
to the earnestness and power with which he pleaded the cause 
of missions, not only in his own pulpit, but throughout the 
Church — and to the cordiality and self-denial with which, amidst 
his many labours, he devoted his time and strength to this im- 
portant department of the Master's work. They thank God for 
the great success which attended his efforts to sustain and extend 
the Eedeemer's kingdom both at home and abroad, for the spirit 
of generous giving and missionary enterprise which he was 
honoured to cherish and diffuse throughout the community, and 
for the extended period over which his spiritual gifts and varied 
energies were given, in the providence of God, to the Church. 
Now that our venerated father has passed away to his rest and 
his reward, they rejoice to learn that his end was peace, and, 
having fought the good fight of faith and finished his course, 
he maintained a good profession before many witnesses. They 
bear their tribute to his worth and his work, his high Christian 
character and unblemished reputation, and commend the rela- 
tives he has left behind, and the mission work with which he 
was so long, so honourably, and so successfully associated in faith 
and hope, to the care and keeping of the King and Head of the 
Church." 



404 



LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. MORGAN. 



MINUTE OF THE SESSION OF FISHEEWICK PLACE. 

" The Session, at this their first meeting after the decease of 
Dr. Morgan, the beloved and revered senior pastor of the con- 
gregation, desire to place on record their deep affection for him, 
as their pastor and friend, and their painful sense of the great 
loss which they, in common with the congregation, have sustained 
by his removal. 

" None had a better opportunity of marking, with thanksgiving 
to God, his fervent zeal, his unwearied labours, his prayerful 
efforts, and his sagacious plans in the cause of Christ, and espe- 
cially for the prosperity and spiritual welfare of the congregation ; 
while the humility, urbanity, simplicity, and godly sincerity 
which so marked his daily life powerfully enforced the messages 
of his Heavenly Master, from the pulpit and from house to house. 
As a Session, their intercourse with him was one of unbroken 
harmony ; no note of discord was ever heard ; no cause of divi- 
sion ever arose during all the many years of his ministry, leaving 
hallowed memories of sweet fellowship in Jesus, to be renewed, 
they trust, as members of the ' General Assembly and Church 
of the First Born.' 

" As regards his more public labours as a minister of the Pres- 
byterian Church in Ireland, it may be truly affirmed that, while 
others may have been more prominent in the religious conflicts 
and necessary contendings for truth in the past half-century, and 
thus aided in the defence of the Gospel, no minister of the Church 
contributed more to the confirmation of the Gospel, to the ele- 
vation of the tone of the Christian ministry, and the spread of a 
deeper piety throughout the whole Church; while he may be 
truly termed the founder and father of the Foreign Missions of 
our Church, and thus led the way in all subsequent mission 
efforts, whether to Jew or Gentile. Write — ' Blessed are the 
dead which die in the Lord from henceforth ; yea, saith the 
Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do 
follow thena.'" 



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